WALLINGFORD - In her home surrounded by her loving family, Lydia Mary Gouveia, one of the most caring, compassionate, and beautiful of God's creatures on Earth, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of the Lord on Monday, Jan. 26, 2015.

Lydia was born on March 1, 1949 in New Haven, the daughter of the late Natale S. and Helen P. (Limauro) Ascari.

Lydia leaves her devoted husband of 45 years, and best friend for the past 49 years, Peter Gouveia, whom she always called "Pete;" her son, Peter, of Manhattan; her daughter, Natalie Kruize, and her husband, Sander, of Stuart, Fla.; and her precious grandchildren, Andy and Maddie, who now have a special angel watching over them. She also leaves behind her godmother, Vivian Figaro, of West Haven; her godfather, Louis Martino, of Roswell, Ga.; her brothers-in-law, Joe (Lucy) Gouveia, of Wallingford and Tony (Madalena) Gouveia, of Palm Coast, Fla.; and her sister-in-law, Carma (Antonio) Faro, of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by an infant sister, Claudia.
Lydia was a 1967 graduate of Lyman Hall High School. She studied pathology at Quinnipiac College and the Yale School of Medicine, and she worked as a lead cytotechnologist at St. Raphael's Hospital for 38 years, a job she absolutely loved in part due to her wonderful friends at the lab. Her greatest joys in life were her husband, her children, and her grandchildren, to whom she was selflessly dedicated, and her friends. Lydia also enjoyed reading, baking, and traveling, and she was a lifelong parishioner of The Church of the Most Holy Trinity. Lydia fought the most valiant and courageous battle with breast and ovarian cancer for the past 14 years with great dignity. Ultimately, cancer ravaged and destroyed her, but it never defeated her. She maintained a clear and uplifting attitude to the very end, and she was an inspiration to all who knew her, especially newly diagnosed patients and their families.

Lydia and her family are grateful to her special friends, Josie and Rui Gomes, of Wallingford, for their constant love and support. The family would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of the doctors and nurses at Massachusetts General Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and St. Raphael's Hospital. Most especially, the family is forever indebted to the continuous care, support, and personal attention provided by her primary care physician and friend, Dr. Anu Walaliyadda, whom Lydia often credited with extending her life so she could spend more time with her family.

Lydia's family will receive visitors from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm St., Wallingford. A Mass Christian burial take place at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, at The Church of the Most Holy Trinity, 68 N. Colony Road, Wallingford. Internment will be at Center Street Cemetery. Because Lydia was fond of so many different organizations, in lieu of flowers, loved ones may make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice.

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Published by The Record-Journal on Jan. 28, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Lydia Gouveia

20 Entries

Sharon Bolles

January 31, 2015

I went to school with Lydia and I will never forget her speaking of the love of her life, Pete. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Lydia was an excellent friend.
Sharon Paradise Bolles,

Michael Corriveau

January 30, 2015

My condolences to Lydia's family.... she was my class mate from Jr High thru High School.... avery fun and likeable person who I will miss more than words can say....

Dawn Hassell

January 30, 2015

My first job out of college was at St Raphael's..Lydia was a wonderful mentor and friend. I'm very sad to hear of her passing. My love and condolences to the family.

Rich Clark

January 30, 2015

I will miss you forever Lydia. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and being such a wonderful friend to me. Thank you for all the laughing and warmth of your smile.

January 29, 2015

So sorry to hear about Lydia. Our prayers and thoughts are with you Peter and your family.
Ray and Zalita Alves Allard & Mary Alves (Wallingford, Ct)

Olivia & Thomas Horn

January 29, 2015

Pedro , Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. we share comfort in knowing Lydia is no longer suffering. Peace, Prayers and Blessing to you all.

January 29, 2015

Although I hadn't seen Lydia since college I remember her well as we went through grammar-high school as well. She was a funny and caring person. I hope that her family can find peace at this time knowing she is now with God looking down upon all of us. She was truly a beautiful person.

Charlene Shumway

January 28, 2015

I was lucky enough to work with Lydia at St Raphael's for many years. She was a wonderful, kind person who always had a smile and hello for everyone. My heartfelt condolences to the entire family.

Marie Casanova

January 28, 2015

I am so sad to read of Lydia's passing. I remember her as a sweet little girl and after reading her obituary, I see that wonderful little girl grew up to be a sweet, caring woman.

Rest in Heaven with our other Limauro relative, Lydia.

Sincerely,
Cousin Marie Limauro Casanova

Lidia DeAzevedo

January 28, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the family! I worked with Lydia at St Raphael and will always remember her warm smile.
Lidia de Azevedo

Elizabeth (Freitas) Litwak

January 28, 2015

Peter, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My parents are thinking of you!

Angela Guido

January 28, 2015

Natalie, Peter and family - Wishing you peace and comfort in this time of sorrow. Heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. - Angela (Pecoraro) Guido and family.

January 28, 2015

Having worked at Saint Raphael's Pathology lab, I was honored to know such a kind, gentle woman. My most sincere condolences to her husband, children, and family. Heaven will add another light to shine on Lydia's loved ones and friends. Prayers for all of you.
Carol Fuchs

Lorraine Zandri

January 28, 2015

My deepest sympathies to Peter and his family on the devastating news of Lydia's passing. Those of us who knew her will never forget her influence in our lives. I will always feel fortunate to have known and shared time with her and you, Peter. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Renee Martino-Tyson

January 28, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Remember, Lydia was always a special and beautiful person. Her spirit is with her beloved mom and dad. She is happy and free to send you all the strength and love you need to help you through this. Our large family will keep her in our hearts.

Renee Martino Tyson

January 28, 2015

For our Darling Lydia's family. She is in heaven with her beautiful mom and dad all of them are all surrounding you with love and strength. Know that her loving spirit will always be with you. I always remember what a sweet, loving person our precious cousin was.

January 28, 2015

To Pete, Natalie and Peter, Lydia will always hold a special place in my heart.Her mother and father and mine were the best of friends and my brother Chris, Lydia and I grew up together and shared so many good memories. Her birthday March lst will always be remembered having a blizzard that was shared with my cousin John being born on the same day. Having Lydia as a good friend is a blessing that I thank God for every day and she will always be in my thoughts and prayer. Again, I am so sorry for your loss...John darin

KATHLEEN SARGENT

January 28, 2015

Lydia was a wonderful person and a great co-worker. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her entire family.

Christine Mansfield

January 28, 2015

Our deepest sympathies extend to the Gouveia family on this heartbreaking news. Lydia's strength and generosity inspired so many in our Parish and our town. May her light continue to shine in each of you and the hope of eternal rest with her God grant peace to her valiant fight. Christine and Marty Mansfield, and family

Chris Francello

January 27, 2015

A beautiful memorial for a beautiful woman both inside and out. It was my pleasure knowing this wonderful courageous woman who will be missed so much. Much love to you Natalie and to Pete who were the best caregivers there could ever be. Another angel in heaven to look down on you . You are in our thoughts and prayers as always. Love Chris , Joe and Caragh

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