Stories about Lucille
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From Claire Gavin
Lucille was my mother’s sister, born when my mom was ten. Because of my grandmother’s chronic illnesses, Mom pretty much raised baby Lucille, and the two of them adored each other. To me, born 20 years later, Lucille was the Beautiful Aunt, fun and funny and warm, with a welcoming smile of delight that could change your life. When I grew up, we began exchanging e-mails, and Lucille became valued adviser and supporter, discerning and insightful. We shared family stories, jokes, books, and some heartaches. Later we shared the terrors and frustrations of caring for our ailing loved ones: her beloved Paul and my mom, her beloved sister. I shared every agonizing decision with Lucille, and as always her compassionate insight gave me perspective and strength... [read more]
From Vivian (Dawn) Gruenenfelder
Lucille was my mother's best friend in high school and college. I lost track of her as an adult, but found her when my father died and she was close enough geographically that I was able to visit her a couple of times before she died. She and my mother spent a summer in New York City when they had graduated from college. They took the train, arrived with nothing in place, and quickly found a place to stay and jobs. They spent the summer delighting in all that New York has to offer. I was thrilled to learn that Lucille had made a scrapbook of that summer, and leafing through it I learned things about my own mother that I hadn't known before. It turns out that the two of them, unsuspecting, taking the subway to a Broadway show late one afternoon, came up out of the ground into Times Square into a throng celebrating VJ Day. They didn't know until that moment that the war had ended. What jubilation! Both of them were so alive, so delighted in life, such explorers of life. I can see why they loved each other so much. It delights me that I got to spend those visits with Lucille and re-discover who she was.
From Patricia Lace
My first memory of my aunt Lucille was on grandma's steps and she was breastfeeding Elaine, when I was four. She gave me advice on how to be a good mother. Lucille was gifted with the amazing ability to impart profound and lasting, unforgetable words of wisdom every time we visited. Oh what a teacher she was. She was a gift to all who knew her. Even through her memorial she is an inspiration. I consider myself blessed to have known her.
From Carol Snyder
I am the current Board President of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Erie County. We at the CFA of Erie County are so proud to be a part of the organization that began to change the lives of children and now adults with CF. We strive to carry on the legacy that T. Paul and Lucille started, and we speak of them often. We recently wrote the history of the CFA of Erie County, telling the story of the founders and those who have continued to provide a much-needed support system to the families with CF. Thank you Lucille for the love and inspiration you have provided to so many that have never met you. We are blessed.
From Gloria Robinson
I had seen Lucille last February in the exercise room on Friday at Hart Senior Center. She was on her wheel-chair and waiting for exercise with her son. We shook our hands each other and chatted for a while. Who would know that moment was the last contact to see and talk due to corona virus quarantine. I still remember she looked so happy with a sweet and soft smile as always. Four months later, unexpectedly, I heard that she was gone from us just like that without saying goodbye. What a shock and heartbreaking!!! had lost my control and energy, momentarily I fell down on my dining chair and had deep breathings and started tearing on my face. Crying and crying... You never know what will be happening tomorrow!! That’s reality. I still remember her beautiful Swimming pool story and many others. She had excellent writing skills and had been admired since I met her in the writing group many years ago. She will be missed so much. Thank you Lucille, you left behind Lots of loving and touching stories with your thoughtful heart. I’ll miss you very much. Till we meet again, goodbye Lucille, I love you. -Gloria
From Vicki Lydecker
Lucille was such a special person. I am so happy that I knew her and was able to spend time with her after Life History class. Oftentimes I would give her my Life History story to read after I had read it in class for two reasons. One, to share with her because she always was interested in people's lives and often couldn't hear what was read. But more importantly and selfishly. because as a former teacher, I knew she would make edits on my story. I treasure those stories on which she scribbled notes and suggestions. God bless you, Lucille
From Sandra Rusconi
Lucille was my bridge partner and friend at the Ethel Hart Senior Center. She lovingly coached me through my mistakes and shortcomings in bridge, and I kept pestering her about trying new conventions. For some reason she just couldn't remember the Staymen Convention and didn't use it. Well, we did just fine without it. It was a real joy being her partner , and I enjoyed her immensely.
From Kathy Pettinato
My Aunt Lucille was a beautiful, fun and light-hearted and nurturing woman who loved her family and deeply loved the Lord. Her infectious laugh, even through trials, brightened any gathering. She was an incredible mother and aunt and she will be missed. Godspeed, Aunt Lucille. Say hi to your big brother for me.
From Barbara Howson Dimezza
I am so sad to hear that Lucille left us. I feel very fortunate to have spent time with the Sullivan family growing up with my best friend Mary in Erie and then when they moved to New York. I have many fond memories that will always be with me. I send my love to the family. Lucille was a very loving woman and will be missed.
From Joan Williams
I was so sad to read of Lucille's passing. I didn't know her for long, but I played bridge with her twice a week at the Hart Center for a minute of her life and enjoyed every day that I saw her. She was so gracious and genteel; a brilliant bridge player and an all around lovely lady who made me happy to be around her. I am so sorry for her family's loss and for her friends at the Hart Center who will miss her every Wednesday and Saturday. RIP Lucille. ❤
From Ken and Mary Lou Lentz
So sad to hear about Lucille. We played bridge with her on Mondays. She was always so cheerful and humorous. We will miss her a lot.