Lydia Cortez

Lydia Cortez, 68, beloved fiancé of Richard Gullesh, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, May 1, 2022, in her home surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, on April 23, 1954 she was the daughter of the late Gregorio Collazo Diaz and Luz Maria Rios Collazo.  

Lydia retired in 2009 after 37 years as a service order writer for SNET/SBC/AT&T. She was an amazing cook and her rice was a treat that everyone looked forward to at family gatherings. She loved gardening, collecting angel figurines, and trips to Cape Cod with her love, Rich. Lydia loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

In addition to her loving fiancé, Rich, Lydia is survived by her children, Marcus (Laura) Cortez and Edward (Jessy) Cortez, Jr., her step-son, Jason (Kelly) Gullesh; grandchildren, Ciara, Amaya, Angelina, EJ and Mark; her brothers, Anthony (Mary) Collazo and Freddie (Ida) Collazo;  her nieces and nephews, Stephanie Messina, Julie Calogero, Anthony Ivan, and Chris, Tiffany, Jasmine, Christina and Willie Collazo; her aunts and uncles, Alba, Peter, Thelma, Norma and Johnny Rios, and Mirta Ratcliff; her former spouse, Edward (Romi) Cortez; and many extended family members and friends. Lydia was predeceased by her brothers, Willard and Juan Collazo and stepdaughter, Melissa Gullesh.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish) 70 Gulf St., Milford, CT (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will follow at King’s Highway Cemetery 271 Cherry St., Milford, CT. Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Memorial contributions in Lydia’s name may be made to www.fightcolorectalcancer.org/donate/. 

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