Lydia Richardson VanCleve

Lydia VanCleve, lovingly known as Mom and Nana to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was called to Glory on March 25, 2025.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 20, 1938, Lydia was the daughter of Allen and Clara Richardson. She was the proud mother of Lieschen VanCleve Donham and Lucy VanCleve, raising her children in Dallas, Texas, alongside her husband, John Reynolds VanCleve.

Lydia dedicated many years to serving as a docent at Old City Park and volunteered at the Museum of Natural History. She also worked with the Trial Research Group staffing mock juries. Above all, Lydia cherished her art. She was an accomplished oil and watercolor artist and spent over 30 years painting with her artist friends.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Reynolds VanCleve, and her granddaughter, Molly Ann Martin. She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Lieschen and Zachary Donham, and Lucy VanCleve and Dustin Pettit. Her grandchildren include Robert Joseph Martin, Timothy J. Anderson Martin, and Claire Elisabeth Martin Lorentz, along with her spouse, Cole Alan Lorentz. Lydia is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Royce Elgin Cole-Crook, Molly Ann Cole-Crook, and Lily’Ann Lin Psencik, as well as many other cherished family members.

A memorial service for Lydia will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopalian Church, located at 5923 Royal Lane, Dallas, Texas, on April 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow the service.

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