Lydia B. Campoamor, 73, passed away suddenly on February 7, 2022.
Lydia was preceded in death by her father, John Travali and grandmother, Maria Teresa Cupeles.
Lydia is survived by her daughter, Lizamarie Campoamor Hondros (Deno of Fayetteville, NC), Grandson, James Dean (10); Sister, Dee Belangia; Brothers, Chuck Bonet, Michael Bonet; beloved nephews, John Belangia (Lori), Chuck Bonet (Terry), Tony Belangia; niece, Michelle Bonet and a long list of great-nieces and great-nephews that she loved as if they were her own.
Lydia was born November 24, 1948, and lived her whole life in The Bronx, NY. She was raised by her Grandmother Maria Teresa and lived an extraordinary life surrounded by Aunts, Uncles, and endless cousins both in New York City & her beloved Puerto Rico. She married her high school sweetheart and together had a daughter, Lizamarie. She began what would be a lifelong career in politics at the age of 17. Over the years, she supported political pioneers such as Herman Badillo, Mario Biaggi, and a long list of pivotal politicians in NYC. She opened her own Nursing agency in 1983 and was one of the first woman minority business owners of the time. She started working at Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, in 1987, where she retired in 2019 after 32 years. Upon her retirement she enjoyed summers at the American Turners Club and countless lunches and dinners at her favorite places The Throggs Neck Clipper, Wicked Wolf and Jimmy’s Grand Café. She purchased a home in North Carolina to be closer to her daughter, grandson & son-in-law. She settled down in Anderson Creek Club and loved her view of the back nine!
Over the years, no matter where she was, she kept in touch with everyone who crossed her path, and all will miss her infectious laugh and encouraging spirit. Lydia was everything to everyone. If you needed anything, all you had to do was pick up the phone & she was there. That is who she was. If she loved you, you knew it! If she was annoyed with you, you knew that too, but it was always short-lived. She just loved her friends & family so much and only wanted the best for them. Lydia was one of a kind and hard-pressed to ever be replaced.
Lydia is in heaven, watching Law & Order, drinking a Martini in a great NYC apartment. I can only hope her bartender gets it right, though I am 100% sure she told him exactly how it's done. "In and Out Kettle One Martini fill it to the top, I am paying for it!!” Forever Mom's drink!
A Funeral Service will be held at 11 Am at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home on Saturday, February 12, 2022, with Father Alexander officiating. Burial will follow the service at Fayetteville Memorial Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be planned in NYC at a later date.
The family has chosen three causes close to her heart in lieu of flowers.
The Jacobi Medical Center Auxiliary. She loved her JMC Family, so no better than to donate to their programs https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/jacobi/how-you-can-help/
The Lupus Foundation of America. Lydia was in remission for Lupus for 15 plus years and was proud of the research. https://www.lupus.org/
Lydia spent a lifetime in politics and was beyond proud that her son-in-law decided to get involved in a NC local campaign to make a change. She would have asked her friends and family to support his effort. https://www.fayfirst.com/
