Nydia Esther Medina

Nydia Esther Medina, a beacon of joy and laughter, has completed her vibrant journey on Earth, departing at the age of 89 on April 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family in Middletown, New York. Born on August 3, 1935, in the picturesque Vieques, Puerto Rico, Nydia's life was a tapestry of cherished moments, woven with the threads of humor, optimism, and friendliness.
Nydia's story is one of love, adventure, and the occasional perfectly brewed cup of coffee. After a brief stint as a secretary, she embraced the role of a full-time homemaker, which she elevated to an art form. Her home was a hub of warmth, the aroma of her unparalleled arepas, and conversations that were light but filled with laughter. She met the love of her life, Lionel Medina Sr., while both were dedicated Jehovah's Witnesses, and they married in 1967, embarking on a life of faith and companionship.
Together with Lionel, Nydia became a dynamic duo in the world of part-time entrepreneurship, selling Shaklee vitamins with a flair that only a couple who loved talking and presenting as much as they did could. While Lionel wowed with his public speaking, Nydia charmed with her conversational prowess, and together they succeeded in both business and life.
Nydia's passion for travel took her from the bustling streets of Mexico City for the International Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses to various corners of the globe on family vacations. Her adventurous spirit was matched only by her devotion to her faith, serving as a minister and touching lives with her spiritual dedication.
A true matriarch, Nydia's family was her pride and joy. She leaves behind her steadfast husband, Lionel Medina Sr.; her loving children, Nydia Ivelisse, Lionel Charles, and Andrew Lynn; her cherished granddaughter, Danielle Ivelisse; and her siblings, Eugene and Nayda. Her memory will also be treasured by her many nieces and nephews, who will undoubtedly continue to share tales of her warmth and wit.
Nydia's interests were as colorful as her personality. She loved to barbecue on the back deck, always dressed to the nines even for the most casual of picnics. In her later years, she would humorously chide her own pauses in speech with the quip, "Voy a terminar mudo. Se me está olvidando el español y el inglés no me entra!" ("I am going to wind up mute. I am forgetting my Spanish, and English has yet to grab hold in my mind!").
Her conversations may not have delved into the depths of philosophy, but they were rich with the simple joys of life. She had a knack for focusing on the people she met, making every interaction a memorable one. Nydia's sense of decorum and her ability to dress with elegance, no matter the occasion, spoke volumes of her character.
In a style reminiscent of the great comedians she admired, Nydia lived by the philosophy that laughter was the best medicine. Echoing the words of the beloved comedian Groucho Marx, she often joked, "I intend to live forever, or die trying." And live she did, with every moment infused with humor and grace.
Nydia Esther Medina's life was a melodic symphony of laughter, faith, and love. While her physical presence will be missed, her spirit remains an indelible part of the lives she touched. Her funny anecdotes, her optimistic outlook, and her friendly demeanor will continue to inspire and entertain, much like the stories of the best comedians, leaving us all with smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts.
A visitation will be held at Applebee-Mcphillips Funeral Home 130 Highland Ave. Middletown, NY on Sunday, 5/4/2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 4:00 PM.
Interment will take place at the Hillside Cemetery Middletown, NY on Monday, 5/5/2025 at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers the family requested donations be made to Worldwide Work at donate.jw.org.
We invite you to join us for the live funeral service on Sunday 5/4/2025 at 4:00 PM. The video link will appear on this tribute page shortly before the Service begins, at 4:45 pm.