Lydia H. Montgomery

Lydia H. Montgomery died peacefully at home with her family by her side on September 21, 2024, after a long battle with COPD. Born May 14, 1943, in Washington, D.C., only daughter of the late Almira Rhea and Kenneth L. Herman, Lydia grew up in Old Brookville, Long Island, New York.

From an early age she was an avid equestrian competing in shows during summer and fox hunting beside her father in winter in what was then rural Nassau County. As a girl and young women, she was an intense competitor competing on the grass tennis courts of the Nassau County Club as well as being an aggressive hockey player, competitive swimmer, enthusiastic High School Cheerleader and accomplished pianist. In 1959, at the age of 16 she met the love of her life, Brainerd S. Montgomery. They married in 1964 recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. Lydia cherished being a wife and mother and family life was often filled with laughter, they had fun, reached goals met challenges together, and enjoyed each other's personality traits (most of the time), his balanced, hers fierce at times. Lydia loved to travel, planning every trip extensively whether it was cruising the Mediterranean or Pacific Oceans or touring Europe, Hawaii, Las Vegas or visiting the children wherever they might be living, she was ready to go and each and every trip was her favorite until the next one.

Lydia was fortunate to have Dr. W. Brooks Emory as her most amazing doctor for over 20 years, the kind of doctor everyone wishes they had. Integrity, kindness, optimism, encouraging and always available. He saved her life several times. The family thanks his wife Colleen, who endured late night calls at home with a smile (we think) and Michelle, his wonderful assistant who never missed a chance to be helpful and kind.

Lydia is survived by her husband, Brainerd S. Montgomery; daughters, Kathryn Montgomery Bohannon (Jody) and Caroline Pomeroy Montgomery (SO Thomas Smegal); and her cousin, Dick Falk, and his wife, her good friend DoAnn of La Jolla, CA and Delray Beach, FL. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved, aunt Dorothy Falk Whibbs of Palm Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, Lydia would ask if so inclined that you make a donation to the W. Brooks Emory Lung Transplant Fund.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a graveside service in Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 11AM. For directions to the specific location, please call the funeral home at (504) 486-6331 or stop at the reception desk for a map.