Lydia Caampued Villareal

Lydia Caampued Villareal was born on March 27, 1932, in Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines to her loving parents, Geronimo Caampued and Placida Catabay. She was raised in the close-knit community of Salud, Bolinao, alongside her siblings Atring Caampued Penaflorida and Alejandro Caampued.

From a young age, Lydia carried a warm spirit and natural kindness that would define her throughout her life. She later pursued her studies at Samson Cosmetology School in Quiapo, Manila, where she trained to become a beautician. After completing her training, she returned to her hometown and opened a beauty parlor near the public market in Bolinao. Known throughout the town for her talent and welcoming personality, Lydia became a beloved and well-known hairdresser in the community. She offered haircuts, perms, manicures, and pedicures, and took great pride in helping people feel beautiful and confident. Her kindness, loyalty, and caring nature made her beauty shop a warm and joyful place where customers were treated like family.

Lydia later married Ernesto Caluya Villareal in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Together they built a loving home and raised six children: Erlinda Celino, Teresita Bauzon, Cecilia Villareal Celi, Hiltrudes Jimenez, Ernie “Bong” Villareal, and Racquel Magana. Their home in Bolinao was filled with love, laughter, and strong family values. Lydia believed deeply in raising her children with good manners, honesty, respect, and compassion for others, creating a happy childhood and lasting memories for her family.

In 1993, Lydia and her husband moved to the United States and settled in Sunnyvale, California. Even far from her hometown, she continued to nurture her family with the same love, warmth, and generosity she had always shown.

Lydia was a devoted mother and grandmother who brought joy to everyone around her. She was known for her kind heart, cheerful spirit, and her love of singing and sharing funny jokes with her grandchildren and relatives. She enjoyed cooking for her family and especially loved preparing traditional Filipino desserts such as ginatang bilo-bilo and sweet rice bibingka. In her quiet time, she enjoyed watching Filipino teleserye shows.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Lydia was a devoted Catholic who faithfully attended Sunday Mass at Saint James Parish Church, where she found strength and comfort in her faith.

In October 2025, Lydia bravely began her fight against cancer. Surrounded by the love of her family, she passed peacefully on February 22, 2026.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Lydia was the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense pride and happiness.

Her daughter Cecilia Villareal Celi, with whom she lived for 31 years after arriving in the United States, cared for her with deep love and devotion while raising her four grandchildren in the same home filled with family and warmth.

Lydia will always be remembered for her gentle heart, joyful laughter, and the unconditional love she shared so freely with those around her. The lessons she taught about kindness, respect, and family will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

In honor of Lydia’s wishes and her deep connection to her hometown, her family will be bringing her remains back to Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines, where she will be laid to rest. There, she will join her beloved husband Ernesto Caluya Villareal and her daughter Hiltrudes Jimenez, resting peacefully in the place where her life story first began.

Our beloved Lola Lydia will forever live in our hearts. Though we grieve her passing, we find comfort knowing she is now resting peacefully in God’s loving embrace. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and the love she gave will continue to guide our family for generations.

Mahal ka namin, Lola. Hindi ka namin makakalimutan.

(We love you, Lola. We will never forget you.)

Hanggang sa muli, Lola.

(Until we meet again.)