Ida C. Lombardi, 93, of Valencia, California, passed away peacefully at home with her family on Thursday, December 18, 2014.

Ida was born on January 13, 1921 in Spokane, Washington, to Frank and Amelia Orsi, where she lived until she married Julio Lombardi on November 26, 1938. Together they began raising their family in Castaic Junction and Saugus, California, until moving to Newhall, California, in 1951, where she lived her remaining years following Julio's death on Dec. 21, 1986.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, kind and generous to everyone. She and Julio created a comfortable life for their family with the love they shared for each other in their 48 years of marriage, which was an example to all. She was cherished by her family for her unconditional love and will be remembered for her compassion and love not only by her family but also by her many friends. She had incredible common sense and always made time to help someone in need. She was an accomplished cook; the Italian dishes she prepared were enjoyed by so many family and friends.

Ida and Julio had a great love and passion for USC football. They followed the team around the country and in later life you could find Ida in front of the TV on Saturday following her beloved Trojans.

Ida was an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church well into her eighties. She watched it grow from the original Walnut Street location, and she and Julio were among the founding families who helped raise funds for the church's current location on Lyons Avenue. She was devoted to her Catholic faith and attended mass regularly until her death. Her faith allowed her to accept all that life brought with grace and gratitude.

The family is especially thankful for her caregiver, Stella Altamira, with whom Ida developed a wonderful and loving friendship.

Ida Lombardi will be dearly missed by her family of five children: Father Gary Lombardi, Petaluma, California; Jo Anne (and Dennis) McKenna of San Francisco, CA.; Christine (and Joe) Marchese, Valencia, CA.; Richard (and Cathy) Lombardi, La Quinta, CA.; and Michael (and Helen) Lombardi, Lake Tahoe, CA. Her five grandchildren: Patrick Garbutt, Mandy Marchese, Devon, Dustin, and Darin Lombardi. Her great grandchildren: Braden, Emma, and Anna Garbutt, and Giana Lombardi. She leaves her sister, Lena Busch, and brother, Frank Orsi, who both reside in Spokane, Washington.

Angels belong in Heaven, so we find Solace in your serenity as you soar above. Our loss is Heaven's gain and what a gain they are getting. As we mourn, we rejoice in her freedom and gain comfort from the beautiful memories you imprinted in our minds and hearts. Fly on, our beautiful butterfly. In God's hands you now lie. The only thing we ask of Him is one day to be together again.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2014, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 23233 Lyons Avenue, Santa Clarita, CA. 91321. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.