Lydia Esther (Melendez) Alicea

Southbridge...Lydia Esther (Melendez) Alicea, 90, of Southbridge passed away peacefully on October 14, 2020 after a period of declining health.  

She was born in Orocovis, Puerto Rico in 1930 to Pedro and Esperanza (Berrios) Melendez.

She is survived by her sons Alberto Alicea and his wife Janet of Sanford, North Carolina and Geraldo and his wife Rosemarie of Charlton. She was predeceased by her children, Pedro, Jose, and Aida. Her husband, Pedro Alicea passed away in 1999.

Lydia also lovingly leaves her five grandchildren; Allison, Nicole, Lauren, Michael, and Katherine Alicea. In addition she leaves behind her sister, Sophia Berrios. A brother, Luis Melendez and a sister, Secondina Melendez have passed away. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lydia lived in Southbridge her adult life, raising her family and she worked many years at the American Optical Company until her retirement. She was one of the first Puerto Rican members of St. Mary’s - St. John Paul II Parish and one of the original members of the Cofradia del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus. Lydia will be remembered as kind, compassionate, and loving.

She was devoted to God, good deeds, and religious practices. A woman of faith, Lydia lived a life of simple pleasures: cooking, praying, watching mass on TV and spending time with her family. She enjoyed over 70 years at church and most recently helped with the new Seminarians from Colombia. All who knew her will have fond memories and will miss her Spanish cooking particularly her rice and bean dishes.

Funeral services and will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Hamilton Street in Southbridge on Friday, October 23 at 10:30 a.m. There will be no calling hours. In accordance with current health regulations, social distancing practices and the use of a face mask will be required at the church.
 

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