Lidia Batz Vasquez Memorial Fund

Lidia Batz Vasquez was a student at Liberty High School in Houston, Texas. She was 19. She arrived from Guatemala three years ago and lived in Houston with her father and brother.  Her mother remained in Guatemala.
Lidia worked full time in a restaurant during the day and went to school full time at night.  Although her family has financial needs she never wavered from her goal of learning English, going to college and being a productive member of American society.
Lidia was a very sweet, kind young woman who was beautiful inside and out.  She was very giving and warm. She always had a smile and laughed often.  She faced many obstacles, but she overcame them with hard work and charm. She was always ready and willing to help others.
Although she was still learning to speak English, Lidia joined the debate team at Liberty High School to challenge herself in a public speaking activity pitting her in contests against native English speakers.  Difficult as that was, Lidia embraced the challenge in order to reach her goal of enrolling in a college or university. Her dedication, commitment and perseverance (combined with her charm and good humor) was a beacon of light in the local community, setting an example for other students to follow. 
Lidia died on October 1, 2015.  She was walking to school that afternoon and was found in a vacant lot a few blocks from school.  As of this writing the cause of death has yet to be determined, but it appears it was the result of foul play.  The matter is being investigated by the homicide division of the Houston Police Department.  Here is a link to a media story on her death: http://www.click2houston.com/news/hpd-waiting-on-autopsy-results-after-19yearold-womans-body-found/35672538  Likewise, here is a link to a brief statement on the City of Houston's website: http://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2015/oct/nr151005-4.htm

Lidia's sudden death has left her family to grapple with sudden, unexpected expense.  Her mother is in Guatemala.  The family  does not have the funds to pay for her mother's travel to the United States to attend Lidia's funeral.  Moreover, the family lacks the funds to pay for the costs of Lidia's funeral and burial.

P.S. Those of us who knew and loved Lidia are sickened by the news stories reporting alleged details surrounding her tragic death. This girl -- and even at 19, her naivete and innocence still made her a girl -- was as sweet as can be and did not associate with disreputable people.  She was warm, giving, reserved yet always quick with a kind word and encouragement.  That is our Lidia.