Lydia Eugenia Moorse

Born in New York City Nov. 7, 1925, to the late Eugene W. Hughes and Magdalena (“Lena,” née Schaeffer) Hughes, Lydia grew up in Queens. When Lena was stricken with heart failure at an early age, Lydia took on the domestic role – caring for her father, her brother Robert, and her uncle Walter Hughes – despite not knowing how to cook.

Lydia trained as a secretary and bookkeeper after high school and worked in finance and real estate. Along the way, she met Ronald V. Moorse, to whom she was devoted for more than 70 years. They married in March 1951, after he’d been drafted for the war in Korea, over her father’s objections.

She continued working when Ron returned from Korea so that he could attend college, and left New York City for good when he began a career with Union Carbide Corp. in Ohio. In time, Lydia and Ron settled in Grand Island, NY, and raised four children: Jeffrey, Kathleen, Alan, and Carol.

Like many mothers, she set aside her career while the children were small, returning to work once they were more self-sufficient. Speaking of which, Lydia swore all her children would learn how to cook, clean, sew, and do basic home maintenance as soon as they were able. And we did.

In addition to family and career, she pursued creative arts such as designing and sewing clothes and dolls, knitting, crocheting, basketmaking, ceramics, needlepoint, and quilting. Many of her creations were gifts to family and friends.

Preceded in death by Ron in 2022 and son Jeffrey in 2013, Lydia is survived by her children Kathleen Meyer (Albert), Carol Russell (Robert), and Alan Moorse (Lori Doyle), daughter-in-law Constance Moorse; grandchildren Diane Morrisey (Jaye), Jennifer Meyer, Katherine Russell, Michael Moorse (Christina), and Patrick Moorse (Anna); and great-grandchildren Chelsea and Jillian Moorse and James Morrisey.

The family would like to thank New Bern neighbors “around the pond” on Jordan Drive and in Duchess Court for their friendship and support, particularly during the past few years. Special thanks to Dianne Land and Jeremy Cole, who helped Lydia and Ron remain in their own home as long as possible.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., on Friday, May 12, at 2 p.m.