Lydia Caroline Geisbert

Mrs. Lydia Caroline Geisbert of Urbana, who spent her life creating a legacy of love for her friends and family, passed away on Friday, February 12, 2010.

Born in Baltimore, MD on July 31, 1919, Lydia had a long and remarkable life, spanning nearly a century in the greater Frederick community. On August 1, 2009, she enjoyed a wonderful surprise 90th birthday celebration attended by over 100 adoring family and friends.

Lydia raised her family on a nearby Urbana farm, and actively participated in the growth of her surrounding community. She was always an active, caring woman who had broad interest including her family, faith and community. During this time, she worked not only on the farm but served as the Matron of The Montevue County Home. She also worked at the Frederick Memorial Hospital, volunteered for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Urbana Fire and Rescue and provided loving eldercare for many friends.

As a homemaker, she loved canning, baking, and spending time with her family and friends on the Urbana family farm. Lydia was an outdoor person with a green thumb who loved working in her multiple flower gardens and was especially fond of her enormous purple hydrangeas.

Surviving are 3 children: Lydia Estes of Bedford, TX, Paul M. Geisbert, Jr and wife Brenda of Seymour, MO and Catherine C. Roop and husband Preston of Walkersville; 4 grandchildren: Steven Estes and wife Melissa, Kimberly Braham and husband Jeremy, Kristy Ogg and husband Denny and Paul M. Geisbert, Jr and wife Rachel; 10 great grandchildren: Patrick Estes, Cody Braham, Kyle Estes, Brianna Estes, Jacob Estes, Sierra Braham, Joshua Larrick, Delaney Ogg, Tanner Green and Taylor Green; and a brother, Jacob F. Altvater, Jr and wife Shirley of New Windsor. Lydia's was met at Heaven's gate by her husband Roger and many family members and favorite friends including her siblings: Charlotte Boone, Catherine Black and Richard Altvater.

The family invites everyone to view Lydia's memorial website (http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/lydiageisbert/homepage.aspx) to view photos, post thoughts to her family, add personal stories and continue to celebrate and honor her wonderful life.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, at the funeral home.

Services: A celebration of Lydia's life will be held during a memorial service at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, in Stauffer Funeral Home Chapel, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, with Pastor Sandi Phillips, of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church officiating. Friends and family will be invited to share special memories during the celebration of Lydia's life. Internment service will immediately follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Arthritis Foundation (http://www.arthritis.org/index.php).