Lydia Mari Ortiz

Lydia Mari Ortiz completed her earthly journey on October 29, 2021, surrounded by her family and the intimate comforts of home.

She was born on September 24, 1979, in Fairfax, Virginia to her parents, John and Christine Ortiz.

 From the moment of birth, she was a miracle, surviving a rare genetic disorder and later thriving despite her medical condition. She continued to be a miracle throughout her life; always defying the expectations of doctors and others with a tenacity that defines her character perfectly. 

 Lydia is warmly greeted on the other side by many family members including her maternal grandparents, John and LaVerle VanDoren, and her paternal grandmother, Jenny Ramos Ortiz. She was blessed to have developed unique, loving bonds with her five immediate siblings, who watched over her throughout her life: Nicole, Scott, Jacob, Kimberly, and William. Lydia blessed her family with her sweet spirit, joyous smile, and her infectious, full-bodied laugh. She will be greatly missed by her large, extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and her forever-caretaker, Aunt Theresa. 

 A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1811 Latham Rd., Frederick, MD on Friday, November 5th, at 9:30 am. A time to visit with the family will follow the memorial service. A family burial will take place in Front Royal, VA. 

 The Ortiz Family would like to extend their gratitude to the many families, friends, schools, Unified Community Connections, DDA, and ARC for all the support Lydia received throughout her life. Lydia leaves behind the gift of compassion, and her spirit lives on through enduring kindness, which is our lesson and her legacy.

The family would like to especially thank Jenn and Gloria of Hospice for their compassion and care for Lydia and her family.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the family to offset funeral costs. A donation box will be available at the funeral service or may be sent directly to the family through the link here https://gofund.me/db7aaa25.

 Lydia’s care has been entrusted to Black’s Funeral Home of Thurmont, online condolences at blacksfuneralhomes.com.