Lydia Gatchalian Gonzales

She was born on September 28, 1925 in Manila, the Philippines. She had a Nursing degree and was a nurse after the liberation of the city of Manila in World War II.

She married the late Rolando David Gonzales in 1954 and they lived in Manila until they migrated and moved to the United States in 1983. Lydia is survived by her daughter Gene, son Gary and Gary’s wife Chona. Her eldest son Glenn passed away in 2005. She is survived by four grandchildren: Guinevere, Gerswin, Chiara and Keone. Her loving husband Rolando predeceased her in 1996.

Lydia frequented the Westminster and Broomfield senior centers where she participated in zumba, arts and crafts that helped her dabble in acrylic painting and needle work. One of her paintings was selected and auctioned off in support of the Denver Bronco’s Alzheimer’s program. She also participated in charity programs knitting caps for the US Forces in Afghanistan and blankets for the elderly.

Lydia enjoyed travelling here and abroad, meeting people, experiencing and appreciating different cultures. Her affable nature allowed Lydia to adjust well and easily make friends. This carried on when she moved to the Villagio Memory Care in Broomfield in 2022 and later on to the Stonebridge Memory Care in Arvada where she continued to make friends, enjoy crafts, field trips and in-house activities.

Lydia was immensely proud and grateful for choosing nursing as a profession, enabling her to provide comfort to the sick. Her family and her friends are truly blessed, including the many lives she has touched in her 99 years of loving and caring.

The family suggests that in lieu of sending flowers, that donations instead be made in support of the Alzheimer’s foundation.