Mary Lydia Baca, a longtime educator, and mentor passed away in Pueblo, Colorado on January 28, 2021. She was 77.
She was born in Starkville, Colorado on December 25, 1943, to Caroline (Garcia) and Gaetano Baca.
Lydia grew up in Starkville where she attended North Starkville School and graduated from Trinidad High School in 1960. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1969 and her Master’s Degree in 1979; both from Adams State College in Alamosa. She completed her post-graduate course-work in Library Science at Western State in Gunnison.
Lydia was well-known in the local school districts where she taught at Eckhart, Rice, Park, Trinidad High, Trinidad Catholic, Mount Carmel, Aguilar, and Holy Trinity Academy. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2003-2004 and retired in 2012 after having taught for 48 years. Education meant a great deal to Lydia and she was dedicated to her students, as was evident with the many commendations she received.
She was very involved in the community she lived in and served as a member of the Founding Board of Directors of the Starkville Greenville Carbondale Water Association, Fisher’s Peak Fire Protection District, and she served as President of the lota Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society of Teachers.
Lydia was a very loving and devoted Daughter who shared a special bond with her Mother throughout their lifetime. She took a great deal of pride in her home, enjoyed gardening, and loved animals. She’ll be remembered as a soft-spoken, but strong independent woman who had great insight.
She was loved and will be sincerely missed by her Cousins.
Funeral Services will be Tuesday, March 2, 2021, with Rosary, recited by Brother Harry Gonzales at 9 am at the Comi Funeral Home Chapel followed by the Funeral Mass at 10 am at Holy Trinity Church. Inurnment will follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery.
Covid restrictions apply.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
