Lydia Labrador Farrales

September 26, 1942 to February 15, 2026

Lydia, affectionately called “Lola Lyds” by her family, was born on September 26, 1942 in San Narciso, Zambales, Philippines. On February 15, 2026, she died peacefully, lovingly held by her husband, children and grandchildren, at age 83 on unceded Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Watuth territories (Vancouver).

As a child, Lydia attended East Central Elementary School. She later studied at Philippine Normal College, graduating in 1964 with a BSc in Elementary Education. Lydia met Manuel in Baguio City, Philippines and they were married in 1969. She went on to teach at Cubao Elementary School in Manila, before immigrating to Vancouver in 1973.

Lydia raised four children under the age of five within two years of arriving in Canada, all while completing a Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Vancouver Community College. She was a passionate, well-respected, committed and loved leader in various aspects of her Catholic Church community. Her love for cooking, playing bingo and Scrabble, and singing along to ABBA and Martin Nievera was wholeheartedly shared with all those around her. Lydia was famously known for crocheting colourful hats, sharing favourite plants and baking leche flan and mamon for others–a generosity remembered by family and community even decades later.

Lydia was an enthusiastic sports fan and cheered loudly while watching the Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Canucks. Whenever she was able, you would find her in the stands and theatres watching school recitals, ballet performances, basketball and soccer games of her children and grandchildren. Lydia was also an avid gardener of flowers, vegetables, and trees. She especially cherished her collection of purses, pearls, and perfumes.

Lydia is preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Leonora Labrador; her siblings, Alejandrino, Susana and Erlinda; her granddaughter, Scarlett Amelia; and the family dog, Bo.

She is survived by her husband, Manuel; her children, Lynn, Ethel & Sean, May & Leah, and Sheila; her grandchildren, Sol & Amanda, Amihan, and Anika; her sister Gloria; and the family pets, Dakila and Arty.

Lydia is deeply loved and will be missed by her family, friends and community.

“Just like a work of art, my love will last until forever”

–Martin Nievera, written by Vehnee Saturno.

Visitation and Evening Prayers will be held at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Parish, located at 2881 Main St, Vancouver, BC, V5T 3G1, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the same venue on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00am.

Interment will follow at Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC, V5J 1A4, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 11:30am to 12:10pm.

Please consider donating to St. Jude’s Anglican Home in Lydia Farrales’ name, for the thoughtful care they gave (https://stjudes.bc.ca/donations/).

Feel free to leave a reflective and comforting message of condolence for Lydia's family by scrolling down and clicking on the green "Add a Memory" button.