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Lydia Wessel Obituary

Lydia Wessel passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2008, with her family at her side. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999 and inflammatory breast cancer in 2000, she underwent many surgeries, tests, chemotherapy treatments and radiation treatments before finally succumbing to the breast cancer at age 55. What a trooper! Her graceful fighting spirit was an inspiration to so many people. Living life to the end, she celebrated her birthday earlier in the week by having a wonderful day at Disneyland.

Lydia was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she worked as a stenographer and secretary for 14 years. As a true professional, she raised the bar and made it look easy, while always having time for a nice lunch with friends. She moved to Ventura 24 years ago and devoted her life to raising a family.

If ever a mother lived for her children, it was Lydia. Sacrifices great and small were made without hesitation, and nothing gave her more happiness and fulfillment than seeing her kids happy. And, although she would have dearly loved to play a bigger role in her granddaughter's life, she felt blessed to live long enough to see her granddaughter born. She was worshipped by her husband, to whom she was source of strength, wisdom, and love, as well as a guide to this wild ride called life.

A lifelong love of dolls led to one of her nicknames as the "Doll Lady." She had a national and, in some cases, international reputation as a knowledgeable expert on various collectible dolls. Although she was an avid doll collector and dealer, one of her greatest thrills was to give a doll to a young girl in the hope that she, too, would come to enjoy the art, beauty, and joy that is doll collecting. Other passions included politics, eating food that she didn't have to cook, and slot machines — she never met a slot machine she didn't like!

Lydia had a phenomenal sense of empathy for everything — people, animals, even plants. She was unable to visualize her cancer cells as the "enemy" because she felt that poor things were probably just misguided. Perhaps this empathy was what enabled her to constantly lift up those around her. Whatever your problems or status of health, beauty, success, or happiness, Lydia would find a way to make you feel better about yourself. She was unpretentious, genuine, self-deprecating, always willing to be the butt of the joke, and had a wacky personality that was always fun and entertaining. To be considered the best friend of even one person in your life is noteworthy, but there were many people that considered Lydia to be their best friend.

Lydia is survived by her husband, Mark Wessel; children, Jannine Landan and John Wessel; son-in-law, Josh Landan; and granddaughter, Monroe Lydia Landan. She will also be missed by her parents, Augustine and Delia Silvas; sister, Christina Berumen; brother, Steve Silvas; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Per her wishes, there will be no funeral. However, an informal reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Wedgewood Banquet Center, 5880 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted for a charitable purpose she would approve of.

Thank you, Lydia, for showing us what true humility means, as well as true love, empathy, and self-sacrifice. Wherever you went, you enveloped others in an aura of love, kindness, and laughter. We were indeed fortunate to have had you in our lives and will miss you far more than words can describe.

Published by Ventura County Star from Apr. 2 to Apr. 5, 2008.
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Memories and Condolences
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It is eleven years since Lydia's passing. I miss her most when I need to discuss an issue I am having and only she would understand. As my sister I know she would have great counsel. Lydia now has 3 Beautiful Grandchildren from her Daughter Jannine and Son in Law Josh. 1 Baby Grandson from her Son John and Daughter in law Monika. She would have been a WONDERFUL Grandmother.

Christina Berumen

March 27, 2019

Although it has been many years since Heidi and I have seen Lydia, we were still very saddened by the news that she is gone. It seems like just yesterday that we would all get together, and I have nothing but fond memories of those days in California.

Tracy Bergh

March 22, 2009

Although our relationship was transcontinental via mail and phone, and I never met Lydia face to face, she touched my life with her knowledge and love of dolls, as well as her kindness. My first Roche doll came from her, and she remains a favorite, with that gentle and elusive beauty that Lydia cherished in her dolls. Her strength in facing her illness is particularly important to me in the light of news I have recently received. She was, is and always will be an inspiration to me.

Sheema Karp

September 19, 2008

I think of Lydia everyday and of all her friends who love and miss her.
Her life was an adventure and the stories she told were hilarious. I recognize so many names listed here, people I never met that are real to me because Lydia spoke of them, such as Marcy, Nancy, and so many others. She didn't just have friends, she had a genuine interest in our lives and in our familes lives. So often I heard her speak with pride and love about the accomplishments of the children of her friends and family members. Her doll friends knew that she remembered what dolls they collected and how each doll was dressed. And of course she had a special bond with her IBC sisters.
I would love to read about your memories of Lydia on this site. Please share.

Carol Macias

May 20, 2008

I am truly sorry to learn of Lydia's passing and would like to extend my condolences to her family. She was my childrens, Kim and Brett, Aunt and she was always loving, kind and thoughtful to them. She will truly be missed by many.

Patricia (Pat) Wessel

April 16, 2008

She will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night. Goodbye dear friend. You are missed.

Marcy Mokren

April 9, 2008

Loyal, supportive friend. We could talk for hours at a time about our shared passion, dolls, and never be bored (if she was, she never showed it). She introduced me to the world of slot machines and made sure I knew the ins and outs and the odds and, most importantly, where the best machines were located before leaving me on my own. She was one of those rare people who went out of her way to make people feel comfortable and feel included in whatever was going on around them. How blessed I feel to have had a friend like Lydia.

Kathy MacIsaac

April 7, 2008

Thank You very much for your thoughts and prayers for Lydia and all of our Family. I'm Lydia's only sister, she called me Christy, and we have a younger brother Steve. My son Daniel Berumen, posted his name here and he has information regarding a team of us walking in the Los Angeles Revlon Run/Walk in Memory of Lydia. I have been volunteering for years for this event. Now it is time for me to walk too. May God Bless ALL of you that know first hand what Lydia went through. Her positive attitude never changed.

Christina Berumen

April 7, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and friends of someone who was obviously an inspiration to all who met her either face to face or online through the IBC support group.

I too will take example from this wonderful lady and fight this disease with all my strength.

My children will pray for her children.

Tracie Desmond

April 7, 2008

My sympathies to Lydia's family. I wish I had the honor to know this wonderful lady. Her story has inspired me as I fight my own IBC battle. I especially liked her view that cancer cells were simply "misguided". That made me smile. God Bless.

Diane Kuth

April 6, 2008

We will never forget you, dear Lydia. Ever since you hosted the dinner for our high school backwards dance, I could count on you to make me smile, laugh and feel loved. You, too, are dearly loved. Our sympathy and love is with you Jannine, Josh, Mark, John, and the entire family.

Mark & Krista Mendelsohn

April 5, 2008

My son Joseph and John Wessel were very close friends during their years at Saticoy School. I got to know Lydia during those years. What I remember most about Lydia was how loving and accepting she was. I had the pleasure of spending time with Lydia while our sons played and I have very fond memories of those times together.
Lydia and I shared the same commitment and love for our children and as a result I always knew that when my son spent time with her family he would be safe and would be loved.
The last time I saw Lydia was last summer at Coffee Bean. She was with Jannine and they had just visited the Drs. office where Jannine had an Ultra Sound of her baby. They were both absolutely glowing and were so enjoying their special moment together. What an amazing memory and testament to the love Lydia had for her family.
My heart goes out to Mark, Jannine and John. You are all in my prayers.

Anna Benscoter

April 5, 2008

Lydia was a wonderful person, I feel privileged to have known her. It was always a pleasure to be in her presence. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family, especially Jannine and Josh.

Kristy Ferguson

April 4, 2008

Dave & Sandy Wessel

April 4, 2008

I was lucky to have met and only saw Lydia once in 1992 through my Best friend Marcy.
She made such a positive happy impression! She will me missed!
Prayers and peace to her family.

Paula Hoffman

April 4, 2008

We will miss you.

Marilyn & Ed May-Blumenstock

April 4, 2008

Peace & love to Lydia's family. Lydia remains in my prayers.
IBC Sister,

Jenny Roan

April 3, 2008

I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.....Lydia is one of those stars!!!!

Blessings to all who knew and loved Lydia.

Deby Ragona

April 3, 2008

What an truly inspirational woman and mother! My sincerest condolences to Mark, Jannine, John, Monroe and other family and friends. What a wonderful gift to have been blessed with such a beautiful spirit in your lives.

Belynda Fenstermacher Price

April 3, 2008

Peace to you, Lydia, and your family. Thank you for your IBC postings.

Kathy Finger

April 3, 2008

We was never fortunate enough to meet Lydia but we do know Jannine and Lydia raised an amazing daughter! Our hearts go out to you guys! Monroe will always know that her Grandma was there for her birth and will be there with her always!

Matt & Mandi Malone

April 3, 2008

I send my sympathies and support to Lydia's family on her passing. We mourne her loss to IBC, but take comfort in her ability to survive Cancer's touch these 9 years. We are grateful to Mark for letting the IBC Sisters know and I will keep her entire Family in my thoughts.

Laura Reinhart

April 3, 2008

My condolences to family and friends. I am a member of the ibcsupport group and knew Lydia only through this group. She will be missed! Its nice to see a face to place with the name. She seemed always cheerful and hopeful.

Ruth Coates

April 3, 2008

IBC Sister

Lydia Bond

April 3, 2008

i had the pleasure of knowing lydia. i was able to experience the birth of her granddaughter with her and it was a very special moment for me. she was a lovely person and spirit. she will be missed.

jenn montoya

April 3, 2008

Dear Family and Friends of Lydia,

As a representative of women with breast cancer from the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation in Ventura County, I wanted you to know how very much I enjoyed reading about Lydia and how she celebrated her days. She was so full of life and has taught many lessons to her friends, family and community.

To keep her legacy alive, I am asking for permission to add Lydia's name to the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation "Remembrances" section of our Life Goes On…” page at: www.ribbonsventura.org/lifegoeson...
Once I receive written permission via email, I will see to it that Lydia's name is added so that she can join the others who we remember as we continue in our work.

When you are ready, feel free to browse our main site at www.ribbonsventura.org to read about our numerous community projects. Part of our professional volunteer work is to keep the memories alive of individuals who had breast cancer within Ventura County by honoring their examples while living life. Lydia is one of those individuals. We will keep her and all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and thought-filled time.

Sincerely,
Lisa Barreto
President
Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation
[email protected]

Lisa Barreto

April 2, 2008

Lydia was an amazing lady, and has left a legacy of what a true friend is all about. To her family I give my deepest condolence. To Lydia, we will meet again.
God Bless
Patti Bradfield
President
The Inflammatory Breast Cancer Foundation
www.eraseibc.com

patti bradfield

April 2, 2008

Daniel Berumen

April 2, 2008

Good-bye, Sleeping Beauty ... you will be missed. May you rest in peace.

I've known you since kindergarten and will remember you for as long as I live.

Nancy Rosano-Labowe

Nancy Rosano-Labowe

April 2, 2008

draza mrvichin

April 2, 2008

Bob Theobald

April 2, 2008

I regret that our families didn't live closer so that I could have known Lydia better. I'm sure I only knew a part of who she really was. I have tremendous respect for her devotion to loved ones, and recognize she has left a legacy to all of us to value every day.

Jerri Meyer

April 2, 2008

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