In the arms of her parents, Lydia Ellen McKenzie, 3 year-old daughter of Eric and Paula S. Clarkson McKenzie of Waterford, passed away at her home on Sunday, September 5, 2010 after an 8-month battle with cancer. She was born a beautiful baby girl on June 3, 2007 in Erie and during her three short years of life grew to be a loving daughter, sister, and granddaughter.
Lydia had such an outgoing personality that anyone she met instantly became her best friend. She was an active young girl who enjoyed many outdoor activities including working in her own garden growing flowers and tomatoes, playing on her swing set and in her sandbox, and helping her Daddy on the tractor. She also spent many hours coloring and “making mail”, and watching “Max & Ruby” and other favorite movies.
Lydia loved her family which included her parents, Eric and Paula, and her little sister Jocelyn Lila McKenzie; her grandparents, Paul and Gwen Clarkson of Waterford and Lawrence and Carol McKenzie of Saegertown; her great-grandmothers, Lois Clarkson of Waterford and Ida Lou Fleischmann of Darlington, PA; her aunts and uncles, Garrett McKenzie of Cambridge Springs, Katie Lavery and her husband Terry of Girard, Clay Clarkson and his wife Molly of Cincinnati, OH, and Jacob Clarkson and his wife Anne of McKean; and also her three cousins, Brennan, Andrew, and Lila, and many special friends and neighbors.
Friends will be received at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Wednesday from 2:00pm until 9:00pm. Funeral services will be there on Thursday at 11:00am with the burial following at Mitchell Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Ronald McDonald House-Pittsburgh, or the John Kanzius Cancer Foundation.
Paula, Eric, Gwen, Red and Lois,
Having been there, my heart breaks for you. Cling to your memories and to each other.
Love and prayers,
Mimi
Eric, Paula, Garrett, Larry and Carol and family —
We were so sorry to hear of Lydia’s passing away. We never had the pleasure of meeting her, but all that we have heard, she was a very special young lady. She is now with Kelly and all the other angels — free of pain. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.
Love, Mary Louise, Bob, Tim, and Sara Morrison
Eric, Paula, and Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My deepest condolences,
Kimberly
Our love and prayers are with you all during this time. We are rejoicing in the sight of Miss Lidia as she is welcomed into Heaven by Jesus and His Angels. At the same time we are praying for a peace, that only God can give, for your whole family as you morn the loss of your sweet baby girl.
Love, team Rainey
My heart grieves for you all at this time of loss. May God comfort you in your sorrow. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
We are so sorry to hear about Lydia…
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lydia’s friends and family. She was a beautfiul little girl, gone too soon from this world.
I hope that with time, memories of the good times with Lydia bring you comfort. I’ll always remember the time she climbed into my lap during her visit to Mommy’s work, pretzel in hand, and the Kindermusik classes she enjoyed with Caiden.
Love, the Hermann Family
Eric, Paula and family,
We are so sorry about Lydia, she was a beautiful little girl. We are thinking and praying for all of you. I’m sure Lydia will be watching over all of you from above where she is now free from pain.
Love always,
Bondy, Michelle, Kristi & Emily
Paula, Eric, Jocelyn, Katie and family,
So very, very sorry for your horrible pain. Hope you take heart in knowing that you have a personal little angel to watch over you. Thought of her this morning while looking at the stars still shining in the sky – asked her to help give you all strength & comfort while she is one of heaven’s new voices for all of us. Our thoughts & prayers are with you to help you through your grieving.
Chris, John & Daniel Grabowski
May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eric, Paula, Jocelyn, Carol, Larry, Garrett, and family,
I am so, so sorry to hear of Lydia’s passing. I can’t imagine the hurt your hearts feel, but mine hurts for you. Take solace in knowing that you have one beautiful little guardian angel to watch over you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and forever.
Janyelle Hunter Gage