It is always sad and a bit difficult to write these updates, but we continue to want friends to know how we are doing. Lydia appreciates your cards and letters, texts and emails, and the occasional phone call. As her condition worsened it has become impossible for her to respond to you directly.
Lydia is receiving hospice care at home now, and they are wonderful to work with, honest, sympathetic, and helpful in providing comfort. If you'd like to correspondence with Lydia, please to so through me and I will convey messages. Many of you may want to visit as well, but at this time we are limiting visits to family only.
I apologize for no fancy layout and the lack of photos. It must be obvious to all of you that Lydia was the force behind the picturesque updates. I am only the bearer of sad news.
Michael (Lydia's husband)
The above email was just sent on 4/25/16, only a few days ago. Then we rec'd the news today , 4/28/16, from Michael that Lydia had passed
Lydia was a sweetheart! At the last reunion we were comparing Chemo and treatments for our cancers. Honestlyly I thoiught my name would be here before hers. As always a pretty smile and a comforting shoulder to lean on. I hadn't seen her since graduation, so I am happy to say we had a chance to reminise. Heaven has gained another Angel. God Bless! Marv Jarvis
At the Reunion, I enjoyed reconnecting with Lydia as we ate our Saturday dinner. We laughed together as we reminisced about middle & high school experiences, such as band with Mr. Woodbury & Mr. Meyers. Also, we talked about Minneapolis Public Schools, because she was a school board member & I still teach there. Throughout our conversations, I had no idea that she was so sick. As always, she shared her genuine thoughtfulness, and her soft-spoken wisdom. I have always had a lot of repeat and admiration for Lydia, and feel especially blessed to have had such a precious gift of time with her. It is sad for me to realize that there will be no more times on earth for Lydia and I to reconnect.
I only knew her distantly as '65 classmate. We never had common classes, but what little I knew of her was always good. Since she was a nice person (most my classmates are/were), I wish her family peace with her passing on. JimE
PS: It seems to me Asian physiognomy becomes more pronounced as we age. I wonder if Northern European appearances do as well. To notice I'd probably need to be Asian or Indian or African. I'm on steroids today so I become more frank. Some say weird and my family counsels no posting for three days after steroids; but, I'd get so behind. PJE
My first memory of Lydia was in middle school - at Sunrise Jr. High. Those years are pretty much a blur for me, but this one stands out. Miss Hoyer was our choir teacher. She chose Lydia and me to sing "Oh Holy Night" at the Christmas concert. She was poised and confident -- - - I, on the other hand was shaking in my boots. As I stood there in front of an audience of parents and peers, she looked at me with her beautiful smile, squeezed my hand, nodded in assurance that we could DO this, and we proceeded. I felt confident and assured that Lydia would carry me through that song - and she DID. I felt that same way when she came to the reunion. We knew that she was in a difficult place with her treatments, which she had been doing some homeopathic remedies instead of the traditional, but they had now resorted to the chemo again. She was confident, never failing in that beautiful smile, squeezed my hand and I was assured, from that time on, she would carry this burden through with a positive and confident attitude. Her beauty - her skin was smooth as silk - her eyes naturally glowing, with no make-up - her small frame, carrying her with poise, and she was wearing the cutest outfit, too ! Never a negative word or comment. She was soaking in everything around her and remembering her days with all of us. Without Lydia Lee in our class, we wouldn't have shined like we did ! Lydia gave me a small jar of her homemade face cream - she had me open my hand, placed it in my palm, closed my hand and told me to "use it sparingly, because it goes a LONG way - it should last you until you die" I plan on making that little jar last that long, and when I see Lydia in heaven, with my all new and perfect body, she will see no wrinkles on my face ! I can't imagine Lydia being any more perfect in Heaven, but she will be ! I will miss her at our next reunion, that's for sure.
When I received the news on Monday about Lydia being in hospice, my heart sank. Then to receive Michael's brief note about ther passing on 4/28, I was numb and so sad. She was a big part of my life in many ways, her spirit will always be with me in my heart and soul. Lydia Lee (who I always called "Moi") was a very close and dear friend from 5th grade on, when she moved from NY to the community of Bellaire in White Bear Lake. She and I both loved mathematics throughout Jr High and Highschool. Mr. Klabunde was our teacher for 4 of those 6 years (and we did visit him together when I was back in MN.) I have wonderful memories of spending time at her house, her family was fun to be around. I remember her mom helping me make a "jumper/dress" up at her house. I have great high school memories of she, I and Mary Shrider hanging out together at each of our homes, going to HS activities together, and being silly. (We lost our friend Mary in 1982)
Lydia and I happened to get married around the same time, each of us had a child in 1968. Her son Chris and my daughter Mollie even played together at times. We both had some transitions in each of our lives, but we stayed in touch through long letters (way before email.) She helped me interview for a teaching job back in MN in the 90's, reconnecting again as if we had never been apart. Moi was so loving and caring to everyone she knew, her students, her friends, her relatives. She is still a bright light that will keep on shining for all of us. I love her and miss her, but know she will be around. Her wisdom about so many things, from foods to metaphysics was amazing. We continued to be close all through our time in MN, she moved to CA to take care of her mom (both her older brother and mom passed from cancer prior to Lydia's diagnosis.) She was a caregiver to so many.
I was excited to visit her last March 2015 in CA, she was feeling well, and we walked and talked and explored her garden for all the beautiful fruit and flowers that California is known for. Her positive attitude was amazing. I was so happy when she decided to come back for the class reunion. I had moved to OR and traveled back to MN also. We did two of the events together and had such a great time visiting with everyone at the reunion. I am so happy for all my memories of Moi, a true friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to her son Chris, her husband Michael, her sister Wendy, her younger brother Shuman, and her extended family.
If any classmates have photos of Lydia from the reunion please post them, as I was unable to find any on my camera/phone, they may have been on hers.
Jill Wiegand (Sievers)
Friends of Lydia,
It is always sad and a bit difficult to write these updates, but we continue to want friends to know how we are doing. Lydia appreciates your cards and letters, texts and emails, and the occasional phone call. As her condition worsened it has become impossible for her to respond to you directly.
Lydia is receiving hospice care at home now, and they are wonderful to work with, honest, sympathetic, and helpful in providing comfort. If you'd like to correspondence with Lydia, please to so through me and I will convey messages. Many of you may want to visit as well, but at this time we are limiting visits to family only.
I apologize for no fancy layout and the lack of photos. It must be obvious to all of you that Lydia was the force behind the picturesque updates. I am only the bearer of sad news.
Michael (Lydia's husband)
The above email was just sent on 4/25/16, only a few days ago. Then we rec'd the news today , 4/28/16, from Michael that Lydia had passed
RIP in Lydia 1948-2016
Marvin S. Jarvis
Lydia was a sweetheart! At the last reunion we were comparing Chemo and treatments for our cancers. Honestlyly I thoiught my name would be here before hers. As always a pretty smile and a comforting shoulder to lean on. I hadn't seen her since graduation, so I am happy to say we had a chance to reminise. Heaven has gained another Angel. God Bless! Marv Jarvis
Shari K. Hinzman (Couch)
At the Reunion, I enjoyed reconnecting with Lydia as we ate our Saturday dinner. We laughed together as we reminisced about middle & high school experiences, such as band with Mr. Woodbury & Mr. Meyers. Also, we talked about Minneapolis Public Schools, because she was a school board member & I still teach there. Throughout our conversations, I had no idea that she was so sick. As always, she shared her genuine thoughtfulness, and her soft-spoken wisdom. I have always had a lot of repeat and admiration for Lydia, and feel especially blessed to have had such a precious gift of time with her. It is sad for me to realize that there will be no more times on earth for Lydia and I to reconnect.
James (Philip) Eckhoff
I only knew her distantly as '65 classmate. We never had common classes, but what little I knew of her was always good. Since she was a nice person (most my classmates are/were), I wish her family peace with her passing on. JimE
PS: It seems to me Asian physiognomy becomes more pronounced as we age. I wonder if Northern European appearances do as well. To notice I'd probably need to be Asian or Indian or African. I'm on steroids today so I become more frank. Some say weird and my family counsels no posting for three days after steroids; but, I'd get so behind. PJE
Jill Wiegand (Sievers)
My first memory of Lydia was in middle school - at Sunrise Jr. High. Those years are pretty much a blur for me, but this one stands out. Miss Hoyer was our choir teacher. She chose Lydia and me to sing "Oh Holy Night" at the Christmas concert. She was poised and confident -- - - I, on the other hand was shaking in my boots. As I stood there in front of an audience of parents and peers, she looked at me with her beautiful smile, squeezed my hand, nodded in assurance that we could DO this, and we proceeded. I felt confident and assured that Lydia would carry me through that song - and she DID. I felt that same way when she came to the reunion. We knew that she was in a difficult place with her treatments, which she had been doing some homeopathic remedies instead of the traditional, but they had now resorted to the chemo again. She was confident, never failing in that beautiful smile, squeezed my hand and I was assured, from that time on, she would carry this burden through with a positive and confident attitude. Her beauty - her skin was smooth as silk - her eyes naturally glowing, with no make-up - her small frame, carrying her with poise, and she was wearing the cutest outfit, too ! Never a negative word or comment. She was soaking in everything around her and remembering her days with all of us. Without Lydia Lee in our class, we wouldn't have shined like we did ! Lydia gave me a small jar of her homemade face cream - she had me open my hand, placed it in my palm, closed my hand and told me to "use it sparingly, because it goes a LONG way - it should last you until you die" I plan on making that little jar last that long, and when I see Lydia in heaven, with my all new and perfect body, she will see no wrinkles on my face ! I can't imagine Lydia being any more perfect in Heaven, but she will be ! I will miss her at our next reunion, that's for sure.
Wynnie Latchaw (Plocher)
When I received the news on Monday about Lydia being in hospice, my heart sank. Then to receive Michael's brief note about ther passing on 4/28, I was numb and so sad. She was a big part of my life in many ways, her spirit will always be with me in my heart and soul. Lydia Lee (who I always called "Moi") was a very close and dear friend from 5th grade on, when she moved from NY to the community of Bellaire in White Bear Lake. She and I both loved mathematics throughout Jr High and Highschool. Mr. Klabunde was our teacher for 4 of those 6 years (and we did visit him together when I was back in MN.) I have wonderful memories of spending time at her house, her family was fun to be around. I remember her mom helping me make a "jumper/dress" up at her house. I have great high school memories of she, I and Mary Shrider hanging out together at each of our homes, going to HS activities together, and being silly. (We lost our friend Mary in 1982)
Lydia and I happened to get married around the same time, each of us had a child in 1968. Her son Chris and my daughter Mollie even played together at times. We both had some transitions in each of our lives, but we stayed in touch through long letters (way before email.) She helped me interview for a teaching job back in MN in the 90's, reconnecting again as if we had never been apart. Moi was so loving and caring to everyone she knew, her students, her friends, her relatives. She is still a bright light that will keep on shining for all of us. I love her and miss her, but know she will be around. Her wisdom about so many things, from foods to metaphysics was amazing. We continued to be close all through our time in MN, she moved to CA to take care of her mom (both her older brother and mom passed from cancer prior to Lydia's diagnosis.) She was a caregiver to so many.
I was excited to visit her last March 2015 in CA, she was feeling well, and we walked and talked and explored her garden for all the beautiful fruit and flowers that California is known for. Her positive attitude was amazing. I was so happy when she decided to come back for the class reunion. I had moved to OR and traveled back to MN also. We did two of the events together and had such a great time visiting with everyone at the reunion. I am so happy for all my memories of Moi, a true friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to her son Chris, her husband Michael, her sister Wendy, her younger brother Shuman, and her extended family.
If any classmates have photos of Lydia from the reunion please post them, as I was unable to find any on my camera/phone, they may have been on hers.