Lydia Bertol

Lydia is predeceased by her beloved husband, Nello (Bert), their only son, Ralph, their devoted daughter, Lorraine and sons-in-law Dr. James Hiscox and Keith Kress. Lydia was a loving mother to Diane, Loretta, Anita (Ben Saunders) and her daughter-in-law Zora Kriz (Kendall Townend). She was so proud of her grandchildren, Christina, James H., David, Richard, Daniel, Julia, James R., Katrina, Eric, step grandchildren Sharon, Stephanie, Karen and Scott and spouses. And she was especially delighted to be with her 13 great grandchildren!

Lydia was born in Cisterna, Friuli, Italy on Jan 1, 1924. At 14, she immigrated to Canada alone in 1938 to Tillsonburg ON to care for her young cousins. Mom met the love of her life in the 1940s, and they were together until Dad passed away in 2017.

Lydia was a mother extraordinaire. She cooked, gardened, managed the house including finances and cared for the children as Dad worked out of town. Mom valued education as she was not enrolled in school in Canada. Hence, she was so pleased with the educational achievements of her children and grandchildren.

In the 1970’s she took her first full time job in 30 years looking after severely disabled children. Then the Catholic School Board hired her as a teacher’s aide with special needs children. She was a life long learner and taught herself reading and writing to better assist her students until she retired in her seventies.

Lydia, a strong and independent woman lived in her own home until two months before her passing. We are particularly grateful to Dr. Karyn Sheldon and Mother’s caregiver Marissa.

Lydia so enjoyed visits with her family, friends and paisans, playing scopa, bocce ball and partying to the end. Mom was a vibrant, loving and inspirational person.

Visitation Wednesday September 13 at 5-8 pm at Kane- Jerrett Funeral Home, 6191 Yonge Street, North York (South of Steeles Avenue)

Funeral Mass Thursday September 14 at 11 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, North York.

Followed by the interment of Lydia and Lorraine Bertol-Kress at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Reception for Lydia and Lorraine at 1:30 pm at The Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club, 141 Wilson Avenue, Toronto.

Contributions in Lydia's memory may be made to ALS, https://als.ca/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Bertol family.