My name is Wouter and I was her Physical Therapist that worked with her for many years on her legs. Never met a more stubborn woman in my live besides my wife. We shared many laughs and stories about Iris. May she find a good home, just like Lydia. Although she called me a “doupa”. 

Johanna, 

I met Lydia when we worked together at the Post Office in the mid 1990s. I was maintenance guy and she was the parts 'lady'. Frequently we worked the late shift, 3ish in the afternoon to 11ish at night. I moved to day shift and would stop by and visit with her at shift change. 

I'm sure a lot of people will tell you the same, that she was one of ours and my favorite colleagues and friends. Always grinning, mischievous sense of humor that tended to be a little ribald! She was so much fun. 

Later, when I got involved with Stash Magazine, thanks to Danny Cruz, Lydia joined us a photographer and reporter. She helped us with artistic direction and showed her serious side which was insightful and heartfelt. That was when she introduced us and you participated for the duration of Stash's short run. We folded up shop, I got recalled to active duty after 9/11 and you started Hip Expressions soon after that. As they say, life got in the way.

Over the years I lost track of Lydia, you, the Stash gang, and the Post Office folks. Through you, I got to talk to Lydia one last time a few months ago and we had a grand old time catching up. She told me about how you cared for her and I was grateful for her. The two of you were (and you still are) great examples of joy, balanced by vision and leadership. I feel privileged to have known you both. Like you, I will miss her and regret not having checked in more often and sooner. 

warmest regards and condolences; Steve Powell

I was fortunate to know Lydia when she lived in Erie, PA. At the time, Lydia worked for the US Post Office and spent her free time with her horse, Don Quixote, at the stabes of Sandy McGeary and her daughter Debbie in Fairview, PA. I never learned the details of his backstory, but Don was a massive semi-retired show jumper, a Clydesale-Saddlebred cross. Lydia adored him. I remember Lydia's smile and enthusiasm  when grooming, riding and jumping Don over cross rails. Don took care of Lydia; I never saw him put a foot wrong. Lydia's friendliness and kindness toward all the kids at the barn and their ponies was constant and reliable. When I was in high school, I boarded my horse at another barn in Fairview, a few miles from  where Lydia kept Don. After I sold my horse (to go to college), Lydia invited me to come over and school Don over fences. She loved watching him jump effortlessly over the fences she set. We'd play "higher and higher" where she'd gradually raise the fences for the kids on their ponies and me on Don. When Don and I met her standards, Lydia entered us in local schooling shows. Lydia managed all the details-grooming, trailering, entries, and stuffing her hatchback with snacks, sandwiches, and the kids at the barn. At each show, I would ride Don in a hunter class to warm up and then the jumper classes. My job was to remember the course, steer, stay aboard and not interfere with Don. When we were airborne over an oxer, I could hear her cheering and see her smiling face at the end of the ring! It was a wonderful experience! Lydia lived her dream through Don, and I'm grateful I could be a part of her dream. Sometimes I ask myself, what can I do today to be kind, generous and grateful like Lydia?  

Well first of all, my name is Cindy. I was her caregiver for almost 3 years . When I first met this woman I was overwhelmed but  when I got to know her I was relaxed cuz I always knew if I was in a bad mood she knew she play her flute....it was soothing. Or she'll say what's wrong girl. She knew the tone and emotions.  I  missed the  flute, IRIS, and  my purple girl.  Thank you to the family for letting me met the MOST AMAZING WOMAN. She will be  highly missed by me. 

There’s Iris

Lydia loved Iris

Where’s Iris

I was truly blessed to have had 26 years of friendship with Lydia. It was full of adventures and many many many laughs through the years. I love you and miss you dearly, my beautiful friend.❤️

Charlie and I were very saddened to hear about Lydia's crossing. We know she is playing her flute among the stars in the Sky Heavens!! She was a friend, comedian, a great flute player loved by all. She will be missed very much. We know, though, that she is watching over all of us now. RIP our friend, Lydia. AHO!

Leeda, virtually ever since I met Chrys, you were in my life as well. Thank you for your insights, connections, and perspectives.. Many memories. So sad for you to go so soon.  Eternal memory - vichnaja pamjat!