OBITUARY: Lydia Isabelle Valdez

Lydia Isabelle Valdez, 9, of Portsmouth, daughter of Paula Skelley and Luis Valdez, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at her home, in the presence of family. She was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on September 10, 2003.

Lydia courageously battled cancer for over two years with amazing strength and grace. Lydia was a fourth grade student at Little Harbor School in Portsmouth, where she was well-loved and greatly supported all throughout this difficult time in her life.

Lydia was an avid reader, great artist, loving friend, good student and the best daughter, and sister anyone could hope for. She will always be remembered for her quick wit, incredible sense of humor and her fierce independence and strength. Her wisdom and intelligence far surpassed her age. Lydia is survived by her mother, Paula Skelley of Portsmouth; her father, Luis Valdez and his wife Ramona of Eliot, Maine; her brother, Luke Valdez of Portsmouth; paternal grandmother, Maria Lopez of Chula Vista, California, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Mike and Pearl Skelley.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the North Congregational Church, Market Square, Portsmouth with Rev. Ian Ashby, Pastor, of New Frontier Church, officiating. Friends are invited and may feel free to wear red (Lydia's favorite color) to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish, 814 Elm St # 300, Manchester, NH 03101 or Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Rd Casco, ME 04015.