Lydia D Eis (Dingler)

Lydia D. Eis, 91, of Schenectady, NY, died Wednesday, December 15, at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady.

Born Lydia Martha Dingler on December 1, 1930 to Lydia and Alfred Dingler, she graduated from Walton High School in the Bronx and Grasslands School of Nursing in Valhalla, NY, received her B.S. in nursing from Russell Sage College, and worked as a nurse at Columbia Presbyterian, St. Clare’s, and Ellis hospitals.

Lydia was a long-time resident and active volunteer in Rotterdam’s West Hill community, where she and her late husband Ralph raised four sons and made many lifelong friends.

After moving to Schenectady’s Stockade District in 2005, Lydia enjoyed a busy social life in her new neighborhood while remaining a devoted correspondent to family and friends far and near. Beloved by all who knew her for her warmth and vibrancy, Lydia was active for many years in the GE Elfun Society and the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady and served into her eighties as a substitute nurse for the Schalmont Central School District and as an usher captain at Proctor’s Theatre.

Lydia was predeceased by husband of 45 years Ralph O. Eis, son G. Scott Eis, and sister Elizabeth “Betty” Batch.

She is survived by her brother Alfred (Inge) Dingler of Canton, GA; sons Randall (Jean) of Aspen, CO, Brian of Bellevue, WA, and Mark (Donna) of New Paltz, NY; grandchildren Jennifer (Bryan Mason), Phoebe, and Thornton; great-grandchildren Tyler and Jordan; dozens of beloved nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends.

As a longtime advocate for reproductive freedom, Lydia was deeply involved in the fight to legalize abortion in New York State. She also loved to watch the birds at her feeders.

In lieu of flowers, therefore, donations in her memory may be directed to Planned Parenthood or the Audubon Society.