Lydia H. Gilbert, 86, of New York Mills, passed away Monday, November 11, 2013 at her home after a long illness. Lydia was born on January 21, 1927 in Rome, NY, the daughter of Louis and Lydia (Schmocker) Werren. She was raised and educated in New York Mills. Lydia was married to Theron Gilbert, who has predeceased her. She had been employed at several rewarding places, such as the Walter Reed Veterans Hospital, Tampa General Hospital, St. Luke's Memorial Hospital, The Utica Library Bureau, and finally the DDSO in Marcy. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Utica. Lydia had a passionate love of animals and was an avid supporter of the Stevens-Swan Humane Society. She will be remembered as a strong-willed, free spirit. No task was too big for her and she was never afraid to speak her mind. Lydia is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Wally Hardy, Floyd; her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Maryrose Ewell, Frankfort; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mildred Todd, New Hartford, Sybil and Donald Hahn, New York Mills; a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Rosalee Werren, Utica, as well as by five grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and her feline companion, Susie. She is predeceased by a sister, Hilda Wallace. Mrs. Gilbert's Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2013, at 2 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 1 - 2 pm, prior to the service. Those wishing may donate to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society or to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. in Lydia's memory.