It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mae Loretta Lukenda (nee Devlin) in her 89th year, at ARCH, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. Adored wife and best friend of Lou, who we believe is waiting for her with open arms in Heaven. Greatly beloved mom of Suzanne Brescacin (David), Janice Lukenda, Betty-Lou Mancuso (David), Sandi Harding, Judi Way (Doug), Toni Lynne Lukenda and Timothy Lukenda (Mary-Lynne). She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Becky (Jeff), Megan, Jordy, Liane, Mathew (Erica), Jessie (Tim), Coco (Scott), Tom, Bailey (Dave), Caitlin (Justin), Greg, Devon, Alison, Carter, Macauley and Cooper. Special great grandmother of Madison, Bryce, and Keira, Cole, Ellie and Leo, who brought her great joy, even in her final days. Mae was the daughter of the late James and late Loretta Devlin. Loving sister Rita Murphy (late Edward), Claire Clouthier (Claude), Margaret Ann McLeod (Wally). Predeceased by siblings James, Leo (Helen), Teresa Reville (late Wilfred), Frances O’Sullivan (late Dennis) and Terry Devlin. Mae will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Family was all-important to Mae and she was exceptionally proud of and devoted to hers. She was the perfect partner for Lou, and the two enjoyed 63 years of faithful, loving marriage and companionship. Mae was the heart of our family: a strong, loving, charming, practical, thoughtful matriarch. She wore many hats in her role as homemaker: cook, chauffeur, seamstress, hostess and peacekeeper. She was our first teacher and nurse. Mae was a devout Catholic and a self-proclaimed “stubborn Irish-woman”. We affectionately called her Queen Mother as she always exhibited beauty, grace and decorum. She was always well-dressed and ready for company and was a gracious hostess. Mae enjoyed family gatherings, Sunday dinners, bowling, shuffleboard, romance novels, making muffins, time spent at Pointe Louise and Fort Myers Beach, social events, travelling, a good game of cards and watching Greyhound hockey games with Lou. Now reunited with Lou, whom she has missed greatly. We will miss her tremendously, love her forever, and keep her in our hearts always.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre on Saturday, November 24, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Father Hamish Currie officiating. Memorial donations may be made to ARCH or to a Sault College bursary for Nursing and P.S.W. students which will be established in Mae’s name. Special thanks to Mae’s Angels for their tender, loving care and the staff at ARCH, especially Laura Fryia, her niece.
Irish Blessing
May the roads rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And rain fall softly on your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.