Dearest Lydia, I never called you aunt or auntie because you were so young. A year has passed and yet I can not get over the pain of losing you. Rest in Peace.

When my niece Louisa was a child she named her doll Lydia after our aunt Lydia. Did you know that Lydia was named after St Lydia and a character in the New Testament? (Acts 16:25-40). St. Lydia was a single lady who was given prominence in the Bible because she was a successful business woman who traded in purple cloth and an example to women today who are entrepreneurs. On the other hand, aunt Lydia was a wife and mother but a very fine needlewoman and seamstress. Had she chosen to run her own business she would be very successful. Aunt Lydia made clothes, soft toys, knitted gifts for others and finally when my mother Fara passed away she gave her remnants of wool, fabric, embroidery skeins, dress and knitting patterns to a charity where other industrious needle women made items for fund raising. Like her namesake, however, she was very hospitable. You will have read that St Lydia owned her own house and when Paul and Silas were released from prison she provided them with accommodation. Aunt Lydia was very independent as her husband Michael passed away when she was in her early 40s. God had blessed her and continues to bless her family. We all miss her very much. Barbara

I would like to record that Fr Richard de Lord (formerly from Zanzibar) has offered Masses ever since Lydia was admitted to the hospice. In addition, he remembered her at the Masses daily commencing 9th September and said a special a Mass on 21st September. Prayer for Eternal Rest (The Requiem Prayer) Eternal rest grant unto LYDIA, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and those of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. ~Amen~