Lydia Lafrades Rebalbos

Lydia passed away peacefully in her loving home under the care of her daughter Amy. She passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 92.

Lydia was predeceased by her husband Tony as well as her son, Junie and grandson Kenneth. She will be missed by her sons Roger (Beth) and Jess (Jeanette) of the Philippines, daughter Noemi (Gene) of Spring, Texas and her sons Ding (Kate), Onie (Lalaine), Arnold and daughters Yolly (Rey), Leny (Job), Merce (Russ), Amy (Pip) and Jinky (Dave) all of Calgary, Alberta. She will also be deeply missed by her 35 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and counting, who primarily reside in Calgary and different parts of the U.S. She will also be missed by her many siblings as well as nieces and nephews in Canada, the Philippines and the UK.

Lydia was born in Rawis, Tabaco, Albay on January 15, 1930. She married Tony on April 29, 1948. She immigrated to Canada in 1983 with her husband and some of her children. Her son Ding had been in the country previously and he sponsored them to move to Canada. Over the years, more of her children moved to Calgary and the Rebalbos family continued to grow and establish roots in the city.

Lydia was a stay at home mom and she dedicated her life to taking care of her children, grandchildren and the children of extended family and friends. Although she already had many children of her own, she always had room in her heart and home to care for anyone that needed her. Lydia is a devout Catholic, attending mass and daily prayer was an important part of her life. She also supported many Catholic charities as she was committed to helping others.

Lydia enjoyed outings with her many grandchildren, traveling when the opportunity presented itself, reading, writing poetry, watching detective shows or soap operas and attending family functions. Lydia was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones, never missing an opportunity to celebrate a birthday or special occasion. She always had a card ready for everyone in her family and never lost track who was celebrating various occasions. Lydia had a way of always making you feel loved and special.

Those who want to pay their respects can attend a viewing on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery). A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 4 at 11:00 am at Ascension Catholic Parish, 1100 Berkshire Blvd NW. Although COVID restrictions have been lifted, we would like to encourage you to wear a mask while attending the viewing or funeral. Everyone’s health and safety is important to our family.

If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made in Lydia’s honour to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation at https://theccef.ca/ , Ascension Catholic Parish at https://www.ascensionparish.ca/or a charity of your choice.

Reception

Following the Mass, Relatives and Friends are invited

to meet with the family at New Dynasty Restaurant,

114, 575 - 28 Street S.E., Calgary, Alberta for 1:00 p.m.