Lydia Villanueva Valera

On October 28th,1943 Lydia Valera was born to Mariano and Genoveva Villanueva in Pilar Abra, Philippines. She is the youngest of 11 siblings. She graduated from De Ocampo College of Nursing and later married her childhood sweetheart Manuel Valera. They had 3 children, Paris, Hazel and Ryan. Ryan passed away at 1 month old. She pursued her career as an RN and operated a care home as well as an acupuncture clinic with her husband while working full time jobs.They both worked and later retired from Agnews State Hospital in Santa Clara, CA. In 1998, her husband Manny was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away in 2000. This was a devastating loss to the family, but Lydia inspired everyone around her with her new learned independence and strength. She spent her days enjoying life with her siblings and going out with her children and grandchildren. She also loved going to casinos, growing orchids and raising Koi fish. In 2015, Lydia was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and survived for 3 years in the care of Paris and Hazel. After a beautiful life and a long, quiet struggle with her health, Lydia joined her husband Manny in spirit as she slept peacefully on Easter morning, April 1st, 2018. She is survived by 5 siblings, 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. The love and kindness she has brought into this world will forever echo in our lives. She will be greatly missed.