Lydia Perez Gato

Lydia Perez Gato, 89, of Pearland, TX, passed away on January 31, 2023. She was born in Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental (Philippines), on December 12, 1933. She was married to Ulpiano Cambas Gato from September 21, 1963, until his passing on March 9, 1975. She was survived by her children Divina Gato-Hogno (Geoff), Cynthia Gato-Maramba (Tom), Madonna Gato-Pardilla and Ulyseus P. Gato (Jenny Alejandro); grandchildren Christian P Abad, Emmanuel (Baba) P Abad, Tomas (Drew) G Maramba IV, Joanna P A Gato, David P G Pardilla and Janine P A Gato; sister Leonila Fe Perez Buenaventura, sisters-in-law, cousins, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Mommy, or Tiya Nene, as she was fondly called, was known for her heart of generosity, selflessness, compassion, and humility. Her hands were always ready to help those in need, cast aside or forgotten. When she helped, she did it quietly and without fanfare. She was full of gentleness and wisdom in her words to her children, siblings, nephews, nieces, and friends.

When she was widowed at age 41 with four children aged 10, 9, 7, and 4, she faithfully trusted God and clung to His promise to care for the widows and the fatherless. And God was faithful to His promise that He walked with her through all her life. She established her children’s education and future by seeking God’s provision through fasting and praying. She was thankful for the blessings of her children’s achievements. She believed in the value of education in alleviating poverty in the family, so she helped finance several nephews’ and nieces’ education even through meager resources and poverty.

She was also proud to have sent herself through college while working full-time, earning a degree in Commerce at the Far Eastern University in the Philippines.

Some of her precious words and advice to her children were:

• God will take care of the widows and orphans.

• The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

• It is not easy to retract a word once you’ve hurt someone.

• Don’t be a slave to money.

• Books are primarily opinions of the authors, so be discerning.

• You don’t have to be rich to give to others.

• A hug a day keeps the problems away.

Aside from being wise, she was also cool and full of fun. She liked dancing and hosting parties. She was an excellent cook. Guests at her house had looked forward to her pansit, lumpia, camaron rebosado, chicken salad, potato salad and buko salad. She always had take-home food for guests to bring.

She was part of the Catholic Church in her early life. She had been attending Christ’s Commission Fellowship since 2000 until her passing. In December 2018, at age 85, she publicly professed her faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior through baptism at Cornerstone Community Bible Church. Whenever her health would permit, she attended Second Baptist Church worship service.

Lydia led a life full of love and was deeply loved in return.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalms 23:6