P R O C L A M A T I O N
CENTENARIAN RECOGNITION OF MRS. LYDIA SIDIO
WHEREAS, Mrs. Lydia Sidio, was born on September 14, 1926, in Jerusalem, Palestine, and grew up with her two younger brothers, Vladimir and Boris. At the age of seven, Lydia and her family moved to Haifa, where she lived from 1933 until 1949; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, Lydia demonstrated her compassion and generosity by knitting 53 sleeveless sweaters for children impacted by the war . In 1948, Lydia met her future husband, George J. Sidio, who was working in Haifa as a photographer for the United Nations Truce Commission. They were married on January 31, 1949, and Lydia followed George to the United States on July 1, 1949; and
WHEREAS, in 1961, Lydia and George moved their family of five to Emerald Street in Torrance, and more than six decades later, Lydia proudly continues to reside in the same Torrance home; and
WHEREAS, Lydia and George raised three children who attended Victor Elementary School and graduated from West High School in 1967, 1970, and 1972. Lydia was very active in the Victor Elementary PTA, and she and George proudly served as President of West Torrance Little League on two occasions; and
WHEREAS, Lydia’s ability to speak five languages allowed her to assist many individuals throughout her career with the Employment Development Department. Lydia and George were also founding members of St. Matthew Orthodox Church in Torrance, helping establish a lasting spiritual community for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Lydia was saddened by the passing of her beloved husband in 1997 but continued to be surrounded by a loving and growing family, including her three children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great- great-grandsons. Lydia’s connection to Torrance continues through her family, with two of her children as well as her granddaughter choosing to make their homes in West Torrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sharon Kalani, Mayor of the City of Torrance , California, do hereby proclaim Mrs. Lydia Sidio at the blessed age of 100, as
CENTENARIAN OF THE CITY OF
TORRANCE
and wish her a continued long life, prosperity, and the esteem of the entire community for a distinguished and incredible life.
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Signed this 15 day of September 2026.
Sharon Kalani, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk
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