Lydia R. Arce

LYDIA RAAGAS ARCE was born on December 4, 1928 in Carigara, Leyte, Philippines to her parents Luciano Raagas and Paula Drilon-Raagas. She was the oldest of three children, with her younger brothers Ruperto Arce and Gill Arce. She attended and graduated Leyte Normal College with Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She started teaching at San Fernando Elementary School and stayed there for thirty years. Lydia was a hardworking, dedicated and passionate teacher. At the age of 18, she married the love of her life, Dalmacio Camachio-Arce. Together, they had seven children: Arsenio (wife Venus), Armando (wife Ida), Cesar (wife Vilma), Leo (wife Nelly), Ethel, Dan, and Margie (husband Edward). Dan passed away at the age of seven.

Lydia immigrated to the United States on 1987 through a petition from her eldest son, Arsenio, who served the U.S. Navy. Then, the rest of her family followed years after. Continuing her love of teaching in the U.S., she taught at Mt. Eric Christian Academy in San Diego, CA for twelve years. Her passion for teaching gave her great joy and she loved helping children learn. Education was Lydia's priority in life. She instilled this teaching so much into her children, that every single one of them graduated college and earned a degree. She retired at the age of 77 and spent her free time doing the things she loved; singing, playing the piano and the guitar, watching Jerry Springer, buying jewelries and spending time with her grandchildren; Clive, Holly, Gene, Kat, Anne, Mae, Emily, Dan, Aime, Erica and Jasmine. She was also an active member of a prayer group called Santo Niño de Leyte "Charismatics".

To those who knew her well, Lydia would be described as a faithful wife, a loving mom and grandmother, a strong-willed, independent woman with the spirit of a fighter. Her last days were spent around the comfort of her family. She passed away peacefully on December 6, 2012 at 12:30 pm, just two days after celebrating her 84th birthday.