Lydia James

Lydia James, age 85, of Fairview, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2011 at St. Vincent Health Center. She was born in the Ukraine on February 21, 1926; she emigrated to the US from Austria with her husband and children.

In 1951, Lydia and her family, proudly, became naturalized United State citizens.

Educated in Europe, her studies were in the field of medicine.

For many years, she translated and interpreted multiple foreign languages for the International Institute. Her training in the performing arts started at an early age, which led her to become a professional Ballroom Dance instructor with local dance studios. She was active in sharing her passion of the dance with non-profit organizations. Her schooling in Fashion Design linked her professionally to local boutique shops.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Basil James; her son, Walter James, and granddaughter, Jessica Hamme. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Alla and Richard Hamme of Fairview; grandson, Eric Hamme, and great-grandson, Zachery Hamme.

Private arrangements were handled by the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd.

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