It is with profound sadness, love, and gratitude that we announce the passing of our matriarch, Lydia Reyes Castro. She passed peacefully on July 27, 2022 in her daughter’s home in Jersey City, NJ, where she spent her final days surrounded by family. She is predeceased by her parents, Lino Castro and Magdalena Reyes, her son, Elvin Bruno, and her siblings, Sara, Maria, and Virginia Castro. She is survived by her daughter, Hilda Castillo, her brothers, Jesus Manuel Castro and Hipolito Castro, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy.
Lydia was born on August 24, 1928 in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, and moved to Hoboken, NJ around 1955 where she first worked at an antenna factory as an assembler. However, she spent most of her life in downtown Jersey City, working for Eden Toys as a toy-maker for over 40 years. When Lydia wasn’t working, she enjoyed tending to her home and garden on 7th Street, going for long walks around Jersey City and Union City, cooking for her friends and family, doing volunteer-work for the sick and elderly, and being an active member of the Catholic church, especially at St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s parishes in Jersey City, where she was a parishioner for the last 51 years.
Loved ones would describe Lydia as a strong-willed, energetic, loving, and generous woman with an unforgettable laugh and beautiful blue eyes. During her lifetime, she received many certificates of appreciation for her community service, including certificates from Hamilton Nursing Home and St. Joseph’s School. She was a Cruzillista as well as a member of a group called Madres Cristianas, and she also belonged to the Legion of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus for over 30 years.
While Lydia dedicated her life to serving and uplifting others, her greatest accomplishment was setting an example for three generations of strong, independent, and compassionate children. She will be greatly missed, but always remembered and held in our hearts. We love you, Mommy.
A visitation will be held at Michalski Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 3rd from 4pm to 8pm.
The funeral mass will be held at 10am in St. Michael Parish on Thursday, August 4th.
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