Eileen L. Lucas

Eileen L. Lucas, 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 9th. Born in New York City, Eileen was raised in Lakewood, NJ and was a resident of Edgewater Park for 60 years. After graduating from Lakewood High School, she attended Rider College.

A young Francis Lucas, starting in the automobile business, called a credit agency and heard a charming voice on the phone. Eileen, however, wasn’t permitted to date customers. She quickly made the decision to change jobs: jobs were a dime a dozen and “Luke” was one in a million. During their 57 year marriage, Eileen was an unwavering supporter of Luke and his business endeavors as a Ford dealer. Their marriage was blessed by two children, Suzanne and Hap, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Though her family was her priority, Eileen always made time to give back to her community. She was a 64 year member of the Beverly Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder and long time secretary of the women’s organization. She was also an active member of the Burlington County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Eileen had a variety of interests and was an avid reader. She enjoyed trips back to New York where she and Luke had lived early in their marriage. She and Luke were loyal Phillies fans. Though some joked that she was probably at the first game at the old Connie Mack Stadium, she was there for the last, and regardless of the weather, she always attended the season openers at Veteran’s Stadium and later Citizen’s Bank Park. Eileen loved the Christmas season and knew how to make the holidays special. Gifts and holiday meals were her expertise, along with sending hundreds of Christmas cards. She was a loving grandmother and she never missed any grandchild’s sporting event or dance recital. Even through the travails of dementia her priorities didn’t change. When asked if she could still write a sentence, she never hesitated: “I love my family.”

In addition to her husband, she was pre-deceased by her parents, Otto and Anna Hansen, and her brother, Victor.

Come celebrate 95 great years on Friday December 20th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Beverly Presbyterian Church where there will be a service at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will be at Beverly National Cemetery. Donations to Beverly Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 121 East Warren St., Edgewater Park NJ 08010 will be appreciated.