Lydia Bette

Lydia Bette
August 13, 2011

Lydia Bette, 82, of Cicero, died Saturday surrounded and supported by her loving family. Predeceased be her adoring husband, Nick, and her brothers David and Ivan. Survived by three children, Nina, Anthony and Luta, six grandchildren, Nick, Jessamine, Chrissie, Eric, Amanda and Katherine.
Lydia enjoyed spending time with her family, who appreciated her exceptional skill in the kitchen, where she would prepare traditional foods from her first home, the Ukraine.

Attempts to copy her dishes were made but not everyone can make something special out of a loaf of stale bread soaked in milk. She found solace in gardening with her husband throughout their many years together. A craft that provided both of them with immense satisfaction, the pride they took in their garden was rivaled only by their pride in their family. Later in life, she became an avid fan of the Yankees, adopting her boys from the Bronx as a second family and entertaining us all with her astute commentary. Whether stating that a player ought to shave his mustache or showing concern that another looked too thin, Lydia was more concerned with the human aspect of the game than the score at the end. She wanted the Yankees to win because she saw them as the underdogs, but it was never so simple as a game of good vs. evil in her eyes.

She was keenly observant and saw people for their qualities and their faults, but it had no effect on her love, which was always available to her family. Our matriarch She will be missed.

Services will be Private.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 5-7PM at New Comer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St., North Syracuse.