Obituary of Ana Lydia Roman

A Tribute to Our Beloved Mother

Ana Lydia Román

Ana Lydia Román was born on May 21, 1933, in San Antonio, Puerto Rico, to Ángel Román and Felicita Ramos. She was one of twelve children, growing up with six sisters and five brothers. She was preceded in death by three of her sisters and two of her brothers. From an early age, she learned the values of faith, perseverance, hard work, and the importance of family—principles that would guide her throughout her life.

At the age of nineteen, in 1952, Ana Lydia married Cruz Morell. The following year, in 1953, she welcomed her first son, Jose Arnaldo Morell, whose birth filled her heart with love and gave her an even greater sense of purpose.

After settling in Brooklyn, Ana Lydia began working at the Mattel Toy Factory, where she met Pedro Torres, and together they built a loving home and raised eight children. They shared many happy years together until his passing in 1987. Motherhood was not simply a role she embraced—it became the very purpose of her life. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy and her proudest accomplishment.

Although she did not have the educational opportunities that many enjoy today, Ana Lydia became one of life’s greatest teachers. Through her example, she taught perseverance, resilience, humility, generosity, faith, and unconditional love. Her greatest lessons were not spoken from a classroom but demonstrated every day through the way she lived.

Ana Lydia’s home reflected her heart. Family, friends, neighbors, and even first-time visitors were welcomed with warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality. No one ever left her home feeling like a stranger. There was always another chair at the table, another plate of food, and another hug waiting for those who entered her door.

She also possessed a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, joke, and bring smiles to those around her. Her contagious smile and joyful spirit brightened countless lives and created memories that her family and friends will treasure forever.

One of Ana Lydia’s greatest joys was bringing her family together around the table. Her kitchen was filled with the aromas of traditional Puerto Rican favorites, including pasteles, arroz con gandules, pernil, pavo, arroz con habichuelas guisadas, and many other beloved family recipes. Those meals were far more than food—they were expressions of love that created lasting traditions and unforgettable memories.

Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She delighted in decorating her home with beautiful Christmas lights, festive colors, and the cherished Christmas village that became a treasured family tradition year after year. The joy she found in preparing for Christmas was contagious, and she loved gathering her family together to celebrate the season.

She also had a special gift for making every holiday memorable. Whether it was Easter, the beauty of the fall season, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, her dining table was always beautifully decorated to reflect the occasion. She believed that every season was worth celebrating, and through those thoughtful touches she created a warm and welcoming home where family traditions were born and lifelong memories were made.

Ana Lydia also found happiness in singing, crocheting, completing word-search puzzles, and spending precious time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought her greater joy than seeing her family gathered together.

Ana Lydia was deeply proud of her Puerto Rican heritage. She carried her love for the island throughout her life and especially enjoyed the music of Los Panchos, Trío Los Condes, Blanca Iris Villafañe, and the beloved Puerto Rican classic “Mi Viejo San Juan,” a song that always reminded her of the island she cherished and loved.

Her loving heart extended beyond people to the family’s beloved pets—Avanti, Gizmo, Smooches, and Goldie—who were treasured members of the family and loved just as deeply.

Throughout every season of life, Ana Lydia’s faith in God remained unwavering. Whenever challenges arose, she would gently reassure those around her, “Everything is going to be fine.” Those simple words became a source of comfort, strength, and hope for everyone who knew her.

Ana Lydia’s legacy is not measured by material possessions or accomplishments, but by the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, compassion, unwavering faith, unconditional love, and joyful spirit. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, a community enriched by her friendship, and generations who will continue to live by the values she so faithfully taught.

Ana Lydia leaves behind her loving daughters, (Diana, Ara, Rosaura, and Beatriz) and her loving son, (Javier). She was preceded in death by her four beloved sons (Jose Arnaldo, Pedro Jr, Miguel Angel and Carlos). Her devoted grandchildren (Danny, Efrain III, Donna, Allen Jr., David, Javelito, Jalisa, Javier Jr., Lauren, Nylah and Sophia) treasured great-grandchildren (Kayla O, Alicia, DJ, Dylan, Ava, Vici Vee, Christian, Josiah, Anaya, Kayla J., Elijah, Damien, Isla, Hailey and Enzo). Beloved daughters-in-law (Valencia and Carmen). She also leaves behind loving great-in laws (Nora, Billy, Tania and Liz). 

Though she will be deeply missed, her love, laughter, wisdom, cherished traditions, and gentle spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In Loving Memory

Those we love don’t go away;
They walk beside us every day.