Lydia was the beloved wife of 50 years to the late Henry William Kroes, Jr., and a devoted mother to Derek (Mary Lou) Kroes, (the late) Jason Kroes, Angela (William) Gravel, and Brian (Susan) Kroes. She was a cherished grandmother to Kara (Yuneng) Li, Damon (Nichole) Kroes, Marisa (Brit) Forbes, Valerie Kroes, and Victoria Kroes, as well as a proud great-grandmother to Dylan Kroes, Henry Kroes, Josiah Li, Naomi Li, and Micah Li.
Preceded in death by her loving parents, Carmine and Teresa DiBartolomeo and her dear sister Flora (Dominic) Zuccaro, Lydia leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and family devotion.
Lydia's passion for art was evident from a young age, she studied at the Society of Arts and Crafts before moving on and obtaining a bachelor's degree from University of Detroit in biology. While attending the University she illustrated the school yearbook, adding her personal artistic touch to nearly every page. Her creativity made the yearbook not just a school momento, but a work of art that reflected her talent and her sense of humor.
After graduating from U of D, Lydia went to work at Parke-Davis where she worked with a team that developed the original flu vaccine.
She met Henry during the war while he was in the Navy training to be an aviator. They married in 1948 after the war ended. Being a Navy wife, Lydia lived in a variety of locations including Norfolk, VA, Monterey, CA, and Key West, FL. When Henry left the navy they returned to Michigan to raise their family in Livonia.
In 1966 Lydia went to work as a teacher for Livonia public schools and obtained a Master's degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. She taught art and special education.
Throughout her life, Lydia continued to nurture her love of art, creating many treasured paintings that brought joy to her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, preparing family recipes passed down through generations. She found great pleasure in solving crossword puzzles, relishing the mental challenge they provided. Reading was another one of her passions, with her love of literature enriching her life well into her later years. Lydia enjoyed extensive travel with her husband throughout the United States.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Angela Hospice in her memory.
