Lydia was born March 9, 1944 in Agkawayan, Looc, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines to the late Casiano Z. Masankay and Dionisia Viguillia. She would go on to college to study Medical Technology at Centro Escolar University from 1960-1964. She later moved to Canada in 1968 to work as a Medical Technologist at St. Michael Hospital. To create more job opportunities for herself in Canada and the United States, she continued her studies in Ohio from 1970-1972, to receive her RN Medical Technologist designation with the American Society of Medical Technology. She then moved to Philadelphia with her sister Lucifeli, where she worked at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
She would later meet Conrado Calupas through her roommate, who was Conrado’s cousin. After 6 months of friendship, they married on January 26, 1974. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy, they would move to Charleston, SC (1975-1978); then Naples, Italy (1978-1981); Newport News, Virginia (1981); and then returned to Charleston, SC (1981), where they settled and raised their two daughters through their high school graduation. Both daughters and their family visit “home” frequently.
Because of her love for her family, she started working at the young age of 5 to help her parents provide for her and her sisters. Her years of study and professional career was also motivated by the love for her family so she could help in providing the best for her daughters. One of her last conversations spoke of being thankful she had “extra” that she could help sponsor other family members in Agkawayan to go to school, so they in turn could provide for their future families, as well. Lydia was a private person, but cared deeply for those around her.
Lydia was an active member of Immaculate Conception in Goose Creek and has been attending Sunday School at First Baptist Church for many years. Her faith in God remained strong to her last conscious breath, where she cried out for her Lord to help her. She was faithful in giving praise and thanks to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and was confident in His promise of healing.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Conrado, 2 daughters, Cheryl (Mark) and Lorraine (Jason), 3 grandchildren, Immanuel and Zion (Seriah). She also leaves behind her 3 sisters, Lucifeli, Ofelia, and Imelda (Dennis); and nieces and nephews and their families, Jeanne (Sonny), Joyce, Paul (Chanda), Kevin, and Stephanie. Her family was her greatest joy.
The family will receive friends Friday, June 21, 2019 from 11AM-1PM at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held, Saturday, June 22, 2019 11AM at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home in the Chapel. Internment will follow in Carolina Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences can be made to www.carolinamemorial.com.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Lydia Calupas at St. Jude Gift Fund Page.
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