Lydia Andrea Whipple

Lydia Andrea Whipple was born September 9, 1944 in Walla Walla, Washington to Walter & Leona Nielson. Lydia passed away in her home on July 21, 2013 with her husband at her side after battling 11 years of cancer.

Lydia married her husband, William (Bill) Whipple in Walla Walla on June 3, 1998. Bill & Lydia were married for 15 years. Their marriage was special to them from the beginning. Bill & Lydia did everything together and traveled to a number of places such as Hawaii, Florida, Maine & took 2 cruises to Alaska. Lydia loved the drive to Wallowa Lake, loved fishing on the Snake River, loved knitting, sewing, quilting & woodworking until she became ill. Lydia especially enjoyed making quilts for her friends & family. Her favorite place to be beside her back yard was the Oregon Coast, in particular, Netarts Bay. Lydia loved to sit, watch the surf, see the beautiful sunsets & play cards with her husband for hours.

Lydia worked as a Correctional Officer for 28 years both in Florida & in Walla Walla. Many years were devoted to raising her children.

Lydia dearly loved all of her family even though some were far away. She tried to visit them as often as she could. Lydia also loved her church family from New Beginnings Chapel who sustained her throughout her illness. She loved her extended family at the St. Mary Cancer Center, her doctor, Dr. Quackenbush, the nursing staff because they were wonderful to both her & Bill and made them feel like family. Lydia was forever grateful to Linda Miller & the Walla Walla Community Hospice staff for all the loving care they gave her until her passing.

The thing Lydia loved the most was her relationship with her Jesus. Lydia shared with many that she was not frightened about death because she knew her Jesus was waiting for her. Lydia touched so many lives & all that knew her could depend on her for a smile & a helping hand.

A celebration of her life will be on Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 2:00 PM at her church, New Beginnings Chapel, 822 W. Main St, Walla Walla. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Regional Cancer Center or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Professional Funeral Director & Crematory.