Jeannette Lucas

Known as J. to many, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024 at the Keuka Comfort Care Home in Penn Yan NY. She was 81 years old.

She was born in McLellan, a small town in Northern Alberta, Canada. She grew up on a farm and cultivated a love of nature and all animals. She graduated from the local high school and then went on to nursing school. From a career in nursing for several years she moved on to be a social worker. After having 2 children she went back to school to take classes in numerous different studies that interested her and finally settled and graduated with several degrees in Education from the University of Alberta.

She spent some of her working years as a teacher in Alberta, then bravely immigrated with her daughters to the U.S after being recruited to be a Special Education teacher in California. She taught for a few years in Arizona and then finally, in Las Vegas, she spent 21 years and finished her career there teaching special education. She taught kids of all ages but mostly enjoyed the impact and difference she could make with middle school children. What kids always learned going away from her classroom was to think for themselves and to try to achieve more than they think they can. She spent tireless hours advocating for children in the schools she worked in, but there was no greater reward for her than knowing she helped so many students graduate and get the resources they needed to succeed.

All through these working years she also managed to have an interest in finding a business of her own on the side that she could enjoy; she continued to learn and study constantly. She still loved all things nature and animal related her whole life. While raising her two daughters and ever being the teacher, she always encouraged them to purse their education. Meanwhile, as a family, they enjoyed the outdoors, skiing, skating, camping, and horseback riding. 

She leaves behind a daughter Andra Lucas (AZ), a daughter Dana (Tony) Jutting (NY), a grandson Logan Jutting (NY), one sister-in-law Bessie Lucas, and numerous dear nieces/nephews in Canada and her beloved rescue dog, Wiggles.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Alberta Lucas, brothers: Johnny, Pete (Margaret), Edward, Leon (Wanda), and sisters: Teresa, Lynn (Steve P.), Yvonne (Ivan), and Madeline (Steve Y.). Nephews: Edward 'Babe', Clifford. Nieces: Delores, Dawn, Heather.

Jeannette's daughters are incredibly grateful and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Keuka Comfort Care Home staff and volunteers for their constant compassionate care and support for their mother and for them.

You are invited to share condolences and memories online on the Weldon Funeral website. There will be an online memorial in the weeks to come in lieu of a formal funeral or memorial.

In lieu of flowers you could order memorial trees in her honor or make a memorial donation to the Keuka Comfort Care Home 35 Rte 54, East Lake Rd Penn Yan NY 14527. keukacomfortcarehome.org