Virginia Raymond Lyda

"Jiggs" Lyda passed away in her sleep the morning of January 9, 2018 at Brookshire Nursing Home, where she'd been so well cared for over the past 5 years. It was a blessedly peaceful ending after a long journey with Alzheimer's.

"Jiggs" was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She was the daughter of Anna and Charles Stratmann, and as a child was known as "Ginny" to her large extended family. She earned a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the St. Louis City Hospital School of Nursing, and loved taking care of people, especially babies.

In 1948, "Jiggs" married Bruce Raymond, Sr., and began her life as an Army doctor's wife, a job at which she excelled. Over the next 20 years, every move, whether to another part of the United States or to a foreign country, was approached as an exciting adventure. She was an exemplary Army wife, entertaining frequently, participating in various programs expected of Army spouses, holding numerous positions in the Officers' Wives Club on every posting, and actively participating in her Church.

"Jiggs" was also very active in her four children's lives, serving as class mother for each child at different times, as Girl Scout leader for her daughters and eventually as San Francisco Girl Scout Council member. She truly loved children, and they loved her. Her house was always the neighborhood favorite, the home where all the children wanted to go play.

In 1973, "Jiggs" married Harold Lyda, a patrolman in the Colorado State Patrol. They lived in Aurora, Colorado with her two sons. "Jiggs" worked for 20 years as parish secretary at St. Pius X Parish in Aurora, in addition to operating a food bank for area families and volunteering countless hours running a year-round bingo hall in support of the parish school. After they both retired, "Jiggs" and Harold started traveling, visiting most states and much of Mexico in their mobile home. She and Harold loved watching their family grow as grandchildren were eventually added. "Jiggs's" love of children continued her entire life, and even in her final weeks, one of her greatest pleasures was seeing her youngest great granddaughter.

"Jiggs" lost her beloved Harold in 2013. She is survived by her children Judy Raymond Hultquist, Jacqueline Raymond Norris (Abbott), Bruce Raymond (Michelle) and Brian Raymond, and her stepchildren John Lyda (Paula) and Susan Johnson (Jack). She was also very loved and will be missed by 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Alzheimer's Association at http://bit.ly/Jiggsdonation , by telephone at 800.272.3900 or donate by mail: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Reception to follow the burial at Sunridge Patio Homes Clubhouse, 4 South Eagle Circle, Aurora, CO 80012.

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