Lydia Ronase Nichol, 79, of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on 3, Nov, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 7, 1947, in Tigayon, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. In 1979, Lydia married Juanito Nichol and together they raised two children; Christian Nichol and Christine Koulabouth. As a devoted and protective mother, Lydia constantly expressed unconditional love to her kids, sacrificing so much for them to be where they are today. Lydia was incessantly concerned when Christian, who serves in the U.S. Navy, was deployed for months at sea or when Christine, who is married to a military officer, was stationed overseas and lived in Japan for four years. When Christian and Christine returned to Virginia, Lydia’s eyes would brighten knowing that her kids arrived home safe and were doing well.
A dedicated teacher during her early career, Lydia cared for and inspired generations of youths including her own nephews and nieces. She would be overjoyed knowing that her legacy as an educator nurtured two beautiful grandsons of her own: Austin-Lyon Nichol and Bryson Koulabouth.
Always a cheerful soul, Lydia enjoyed playing a mean hand of bingo with her siblings, taking spontaneous road trips, and traveling abroad, especially to her homeland in the Philippines. She cherished attending concerts, theatrical performances and social events like the annual festivals hosted by the Ati-Atihan of Virginia. And Lydia truly appreciated nature, occasionally venturing out on local strawberry picking trips with her children and on drives to the Shenandoah National Park to view the Fall leaves and Charlottesville to pick apples at Carter Mountain Orchard; more specifically she prized her own rose garden at home.
Lydia is survived by her husband Jun Nichol, children Christian Nichol and Christine Koulabouth, grandsons Austin-Lyon Nichol and Bryson Koulabouth, siblings Marty Inguillo, Rene Ronase, Bert Ronase, Juliette Budoy, and Precy Romillo, many nephews and nieces, and a circle of family friends.
Lydia was predeceased by her parents Ricardo and Lucrecia Ronase, eldest sister Lily Romero, and youngest brother Eddie Ronase.
Family and friends are warmly invited to gather for a Viewing and Visitation on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, located at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.
A Funeral Service honoring and celebrating a life well-lived will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather inside Woodlawn Funeral Home for a Reception.
