She is survived by daughter, Louise Hays (husband, Jim) of Kennebunkport, Maine, and son, Ned (wife, Hon. Marcia P. Hirsch). Her life was brightened by her grandchildren, Alison Garofalo (husband, Pete) and Hillary Leary (husband, Brian). Her last years were enriched by her great grandchildren, Leona Garofalo and Nolan Leary. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ann Yanchan.
Lydia spent her entire career of 50 years at Lenox Hill Hospital. She graduated from its School of Nursing in 1941, was immediately hired by the Dept. of Nursing, and subsequently taught at the School of Nursing until it closed. Thereafter, she obtained a Masters Degree in Nursing from Teachers College, Columbia University while working as a hospital administrator until her retirement from Lenox Hill Hospital in 1988.
She now joins her husband, Edgar Hirsch, who passed away in 1983. She made the world a better place.
A wake will be held at Frank E. Campbell - The Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 18, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on Saturday, March 19, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Teachers College, Columbia University, The Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola, or to Alumnae Association of Lenox Hill Hospital School of Nursing.
