Lydia Ortiz

Lydia Correa Ortiz was born on August 24, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York to Julio Cervoni Correa and Encarnacion Melendez. Since childhood, everyone in the family and most friends have called her "Lily." Lily grew up in Brooklyn, with her siblings Anna, Nilda, Laura, Sylvia, Tony, Josephine, Nancy, Maryanne, Ralph, and Bobby at 67 Thompkins Avenue. At almost 1 year of age, Lily's father was lost at sea while serving in the U.S. Navy. This unfortunate event led her mother to reach out to her sister, Josephine Din, for help in raising her young daughter. Lily was then raised with an additional set of brothers and sisters and their bond remained strong her entire life. Lily met the love of her life, William Michael Ortiz, in junior high school. William often told the story of how the first time he saw Lily walk across the school stage for her perfect attendance award, he told himself that was the girl he was going to marry. This proved to be true, and William stole Lydia's heart. They were married in Brooklyn on July 11, 1965. Lily & Willie were wed 34 years and she was a devoted wife until his passing in 1999. She leaves behind two children, her daughter Michelle and her husband Michael, her son William, Jr. and his wife Stephanie, along with her grandchildren Nicholas and his wife Rainney, Matthew, Cira, Isabella, and Jake. Lily and Willie first lived with his sister Alice and Danny, in their two family home on Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park. In 1976 the two had saved enough to purchase their own dream home in Valley Stream, and 70 E. St. Mark's Place became a loving residence for all family and friends to gather. They even welcomed a golden retriever, Beauty! Many family holidays were celebrated here, with a lot of laughter, fun, music and food. Lily had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Family Christmas traditions that started at Pitkin Avenue, continued in Valley Stream, such as singing the 12 Days of Christmas, which her two eldest grandchildren were blessed to celebrate and sing that together one last time with Grandma Lily this year. Lily is a graduate of Maxwell High School and also went to secretarial school. She was a payroll bookkeeper for many years at Eyeglass Services, Inc. Lily was also extremely crafty and very talented with a sewing machine. She often made clothes for herself and Michelle, even custom clothes for Michelle's Barbie dolls! Lily also made curtains and all sorts of cute items like stuffed Christmas trees that some of her long time friends may still have. Lily always had a unique taste level and great sense of style. Of all the roles Lily played, being a grandmother was certainly her favorite and she adored her five grandchildren. "Grandma Adventures" started with her first grandchild and continued to include her fabulous five grands, with outings to the beach, library,
McDonald's Playplace (Five Guys, as they got older), countless parks, shows, plays, visits to other family members and special events. She loved to shop and find things for her kids or grandkids, always making sure everyone had what they needed. Lily loved singing, swimming, playing games, and having fun. Lily was a long time member of Bethel United Pentecostal Church and many refer to her as one of the pillars of the church. She was a faithful member going back to the late 70's when the church was in Plainview. Lily was certainly the matriarch of the Ortiz-Rusinyak family who led them to the gospel saving truth they still abide in today. She will always be remembered for her zeal for life and love for the Lord. All of her family members and friends will forever cherish the fond memories, times of laughter, thoughtfulness, encouragement, her loyalty, and faithfulness. Lily's life has left an impression on all of our hearts and we were blessed to have her in our lives. Heaven, she is now your gain To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lydia Ortiz, please visit our Tree Store.