Lydia June Fernandes

June 1, 1948 – July 11, 2026

Lydia June (Souza) Fernandes, 78, passed away peacefully at her home in Antelope, California, on July 11, 2026.

Born in Lakeport, California (better known to many as Clear Lake), Lydia was the daughter of Aldina Silva Souza and Nestor Pimentel Souza, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Anthony Manuel Fernandes, her sister, Joyce Zell, and her brother, Mike Souza. She is survived by her brother, Rod Souza, Sr.

After her divorce in 1978, Lydia proudly embraced life as a single woman, remaining fiercely independent for the rest of her life. She was a devoted mother to her son, Anthony Fonseca Fernandes, Jr., and her daughter, Dina Marie Fernandes. She was also the mother-in-law of Piper Fernandes and a proud grandmother to Bradyn Joe Downey, Taryn Leon Downey, Kade Anthony Fernandes, and Lyric Michelle Fernandes.

Lydia’s family wasn’t limited to blood relatives or even people, for that matter. She adored her four-legged children—Alex, Alyzha, Bigfoot, and Bojangles—who brought her endless companionship and joy.

Although she was born and raised in California, Lydia was immensely proud of her Portuguese heritage. She embraced the traditions, values, and close-knit sense of family that shaped her life and identity. Her Portuguese roots were a source of pride and were reflected in her strength, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

Professionally, Lydia spent 23 years at Hewlett Packard and looked forward to the day she could enjoy a well-earned retirement. Life had different plans, and she ultimately retired from the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Roseville, California, in June 2017, where she continued doing what she did best—connecting with people and giving back to her community.

Lydia had a creative spirit and loved arts and crafts, especially handmaking gifts for the people she loved. She found joy in creating something meaningful and personal, and those keepsakes remain treasured reminders of her generous heart.

Born and baptized Catholic, Lydia remained spiritual throughout her life. While she was not strictly religious, she held a steadfast belief in God and in the power of positive thinking.

Anyone who knew Lydia knew exactly where she stood, and where they stood with her. She was fiercely loyal…the kind of friend who carried your burdens as her own. She had a wonderfully outrageous sense of humor, and possessed a refreshingly honest, tell-it-like-it-is attitude. She loved deeply, defended the people she cared about without hesitation, and left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In accordance with Lydia’s wishes, she will be cremated. A private family ceremony will be held to scatter her ashes.

A Celebration of Life honoring Lydia will be held in early fall 2026. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Lydia’s strength, humor, creativity, Portuguese pride, and unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and carried forward by all whose lives she touched.