Kathryn "Kay" Lydon

           Kay Lydon passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2019. She was born on April 13, 1930, in Philipsburg, PA to Jones and Helen Hess.  In 1948, after graduating from high school, she set off on an independent path, unlike most of her peers.  She studied in Harrisburg and New York City and worked in State College, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.   In 1965, Kay met and married Ed Lydon. They had two daughters, Amy and Carol Lydon. Kay referred to herself as a "gypsy" and due to her wandering spirit, the family moved frequently, with much of the time spent in central PA and Florida.             Ed died in in 1983, leaving Kay a widow and a single parent to her daughters. Kay took on the role of two parents and created a unit with her girls that remained unwavering until her death. She successfully raised adaptable, resourceful and capable women who inherited their mother's fierce spirit of independence.  They're grateful for Kay's guidance which led them to be capable women.                In 1994, she moved to Philadelphia to be closer to her daughters and spent the last decade of her life living with her daughter Amy, son-in-law Karl and her beloved grandchildren; Skylar, Quincy and Kamryn.  She helped raise her grandchildren as lovingly as she raised her own children.              Kay's influences can clearly be seen in her grandchildren whom she adored and who thoroughly enjoyed and adored her.  From the time he could talk, Skylar called her "Mom".  She encouraged him to attend art school, despite his own doubts and let him know he was up to the challenge.  She kept Quincy supplied with batteries for his video games and bandaids to check blood sugar at all hours of the night.  Kay was Kammy's Ramen Noodle master and provided a rapt audience for all of her song and dance routines.             She was most happy being with her family, knitting, reading and doing puzzles. She was a woman of quiet dignity who kept her own counsel.  She always knew what to say and when to say it.  She had a wisdom born of years of living.  She'll be missed endlessly by her family.             Kay's predeceased by her husband, Edward T. Lydon and her brother, Raymond J. Hess.  She is survived by daughters Amy and Carol Lydon, son-in-law Karl Moore and grandchildren Skylar, Quincy and Kammy Moore.             The family would to thank each of you for the words of encouragement, prayers, food and kindness that you have shown to them during this difficult time. They are grateful for the parts you have played in her life and theirs.              A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors at 8413 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a reception at the home of Karl Moore and Amy Lydon. Kay will be interred at Philipsburg Cemetery sometime in the spring.