Lyda C. Rainey, 94, of New Castle, passed away the morning of May 2, 2016 at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Born on June 25, 1921 in New Castle, she was the daughter of Joseph and Philomena Menna Castrucci. On January 28, 1943, she married her beloved husband, Thomas E. Rainey Sr., and the two spent over 40 wonderful years together until he preceded her in death on June 14, 2003.

A graduate of New Castle Senior High School, Lyda had worked at the Lawrence County Superintendent of Schools Office. She later retired from the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center. Lyda was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Parish and a former member of its Holy Rosary Society. Active in community work, she chaired many fund drives for the 7th Wards, acted as a Girl Scout troop leader and Den Mother, and also served as the PTA Unit President and President of the City Council of PTA’s. Lyda had belonged to the Neshannock Lioness Club, Prime Timers, Challenges, American Business Women’s Association, American Stenotypist Association, and Lawrence County School Retirees. She enjoyed painting, photography, playing cards and Scrabble, and completing crossword puzzles.

Lyda is survived by her son, Thomas E. Rainey Jr. and wife Lori of Austin, TX; sister, Angeline Henry of McKees Rocks, PA; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Jane DeLuca, brother, Robert Castrucci, and sister, Mary Hobson.

Honoring her wishes, there are no calling hours and services are private at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd.

Interment will take place in St. Lucy Cemetery.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made in Lyda’s honor to Autism Speaks, ATTN Web Gift, 1060 State Road, 2nd Floor Princeton, NJ 08540, online at www.autismspeaks.org, or by calling 888-288-4762.