Lydia (De La Parte) Garcia

Lydia Garcia, 99, passed away November 10th, 2022 at Azalea Gardens Nursing Center in Wiggins, just 5 days shy of her 100th birthday. She was born November 15, 1922 in Tampa, FL, the only child to Hipolito and Esperanza (Hernandez) De La Parte. Lydia grew up in the Tampa area, graduating from Hillsborough High School with the Class of 1938. The family moved to the Bronx, NY in the early 40's. Lydia was raised in a loving, close-knit and extended family of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and more. Being the oldest cousin, Lydia was called "Prima", which became her family nickname. Once in new York, Lydia worked in the garment industry for several years in Manhattan. Later she went to work as a junior accountant, working for National and PanAm airlines. She retired from PanAm around 1979 and decided to move back to Florida. Lydia settled in Palm Bay for a few years before moving to Long Beach, MS to be closer to her only son, Richard and his wife Patricia. She lived a long, full, and very happy life. Lydia enjoyed dancing, children, arts and crafts, and her regular 5:00 PM gin and tonic. She had an outgoing personality, along with a gift for making people laugh, so making friends came easily. For the past four years, Lydia resided at Azalea Gardens in Wiggins. Her family is especially grateful to all the staff for the excellent care and service they provided to "mom" during her time with them. She so enjoyed all the interactions with them and her fellow residents, particularly all the laughs and good times they shared together. She will no doubt be sadly missed by all whose life she touched. Lydia was preceded by her parents, Hipolito and Esperanza De La Parte, and two former husbands, Joseph Coto and Charles Garcia. Left to cherish her memories are her only child, her son Richard (Patricia) Coto of Saucier, along with numerous extended family and friends. Lydia's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Garcia family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.