Lydia Dempsey passed away peacefully Sept. 25, 2018, after a brief hospital stay. Born Dec. 16, 1923, Lydia was born to Rita and Emeterio Padilla in Los Angeles, Calif., and raised in Florence, Ariz. Lydia was proud of her Mexican-American heritage and grew up speaking Spanish before learning English. This served her well in her later years as she helped as a translator for the Spanish-speaking community in Elma.

Lydia is preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2011 after 59 years of marriage. Lydia is also survived by her six children, Rita, John, Robert (Patrice), Brian, Lisa (Mike Clark) and Joe (Stacey); her grandchildren Meagan, Michael, Eric, Trenton, Tyler, Isaac, Reagan, Mitchell, Stephen, Matthew, Michael and Patrick and her great-grandchild Bennett.

Lydia was proudest of raising her children. Those years were filled with voices of children and neighbor’s children throughout the house. Summertime was spent on family picnics at Schaefer Park and canning of applesauce, peaches and apricots. Our favorite was blackberry picking and blackberry pies.

In later years she enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow into the beautiful beings they are today.

Lydia was best known for her quick wit and sense of humor. She was quick with a comeback to the end of her life.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 510 W. Waldrip, Elma, WA 98541.

Lydia’s funeral mass will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct 2, 2018, at St Joseph’s Catholic Parish, 501 W Main, Elma, WA 98541. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Elma Catholic Cemetery. Friends are invited to view photos and share memories in the family’s on-line guestbook at www.flintofts.com. Arrangements by Flintoft’s Funeral Home 425-392-6444.