Lydia was born August 15th, 1945 to Simplicio and Magdalena Yamat in Pampanga, Philippines. She graduated from the Centro Escolar University in Manila with a degree in medical laboratory science.
Lydia immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1968 with her late husband Samson Reyes Jr. MD, where they worked at various hospitals in the Ohio Valley area. Lydia and her husband eventually opened their own medical practice which grew into several successful clinics. In addition to working as a medical lab scientist and managing the clinics, she was a business owner and entrepreneur. Lydia opened the first health spa in St. Clairsville, Ohio, a supper club in in midtown Manhattan, and an import/ export business specializing in hand made Filipino goods. She called St. Clairsville, OH home for almost 30 years before moving to Gilbert, AZ in 1998 and continued working in the lab science field until her retirement.
Lydia had a passion for gardening, cooking, the arts, and those she loved. Her ability to make tropical plants bloom in the desert was unsurpassed. One of Lydia’s favorite pastimes was to cook for her family and friends. When asked to share her coveted recipes, she would leave out an ingredient just to see if they could guess what was missing. Recipes aside, Lydia devoted her life to helping others. Many people, despite age or relation, called her “Mom”. Her generosity, warmth, and humor blessed everyone around her.
Lydia is survived by her loving sister, Rosa, daughters Anna and Melanie, and her sons Camilo and Derrick. She is missed and loved and forever in our hearts.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18