Obituary of Carmen O. Lydell

Dr. Carmen O. Lydell, 78, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 29, 2010. She is survived by her two sons, Karl and Norman Lydell; her daughter-in-law, Melinda Lydell; a granddaughter, Victoria Carvelli; three grandsons, Brayton, Cameron and Dylan Lydell, all of Jamestown. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brayton D. Lydell and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Norman and Pauline Marlett. Carmen Lydell was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia on August 15, 1931, a daughter of the late Julio and Sofia Galvis Osorio. She traveled to the United States in pursuit of an education at Grove City College, Grove City, PA, where she met Jamestown native Brayton Lydell. Carmen and Brayton were married in Grove City in 1958 and settled in Jamestown, New York. They celebrated the birth of two sons; Karl in 1961 and Norman in 1964. Carmen lost her husband to cancer in 1974. Dr. Lydell is best remembered for her work as an Assistant Professor of Spanish and French at Jamestown Community College and as Hispanic Outreach director at Joint Neighborhood Project. Carmen was recognized for her extensive volunteer work as the Interclub Council Woman of the Year in 1994. Through her involvement with the Jamestown Youth Bureau, YWCA, African-American Coalition, Jamestown Sister City Committee, the Marvin House, Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Fortnightly, the Jamestown District of United Methodist Women, and a host of other committees and projects, Carmen worked tirelessly to raise awareness with regard to the needs of minorities. For many years Carmen served as translator, interpreter, advocate, and counselor for Hispanics and African-Americans in our community and Native Americans in Salamanca and Olean, most often giving of her time and effort without remuneration. Dr. Lydell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Languages and Biology, a Masters of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature of Spain and Spanish America, and a PhD in Philosophy and Letters Castellanas. She pursued additional studies at the National University of Colombia, SA; St. Bonaventure University; and the University of New Mexico. Carmen received much joy from her children and grandchildren. She also cherished her dear friends with whom she shared an infinite number of rewarding activities and conversations throughout her lifetime. For Carmen, these friendships provided life-sustaining emotional support and intellectual stimulation, especially during times of illness and personal strife. Carmen will be remembered for giving freely to others without prejudice. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday in Christ First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Douglas Knopp presiding. Burial will be at the Chautauqua Cemetery. Friends will be received from 1-3 p.m. Sunday in Darrah Hall of the church. Memorials may be made to Christ First United Methodist Church, 663 Lakeview Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701 or Scleroderma Foundation, Attn: Donations, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923. You may light a candle in remembrance of Carmen at www.lindfuneralhome.com