Lydia Isabelle Valdez, 9, of Portsmouth, N.H., passed away at her home in the presence of her family on Tuesday. April 30. She was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on September 10, 2003. She was the daughter of Paula Skelley and Luis Valdez. 

A funeral service was held at the North Congregational Church, Market Square, Portsmouth, N.H., at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 4.

Rev. Ian Ashby, Pastor, of New Frontier Church, officiated. Friends were invited to wear red (Lydia's favorite color) to the funeral.

Lydia courageously battled cancer for over two years with amazing strength and grace. Lydia was a fourth grade student at the Little Harbor School in Portsmouth, where she was well-loved and greatly supported all throughout this difficult time in her life.

Lydia was an avid reader, great artist, loving friend, good student and the best daughter, and sister anyone could hope for. She will always be remembered for her quick wit, incredible sense of humor and her fierce independence and strength. Her wisdom and intelligence far surpassed her age. 

Lydia is survived by her mother, Paula Skelley of Portsmouth, N.H.; her father, Luis (Ramona) Valdez of Eliot, Maine; brother, Luke Valdez of Portsmouth, N.H.; paternal grandmother, Maria Lopez of Chula Vista, Calif.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Mike and Pearl Skelley.