VERA LUCAS

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VERA LUCAS Vera left us, not willingly, on July 14, 2010 after a year long struggle with various ailments which she chose to ignore as long as possible. This was only possible with the love and unfailing support of her ever-patient husband Jay of 59 years, as well as her children and grandchildren who were there for her at any or all times. She was born in Winnipeg, May 23 1928 to Frank and Doris Ings, and was raised along with her brother, Stan, surrounded by many relatives whose lively and not always amicable get-togethers made her determined (not always successfully) to bring up her own family in a more harmonious environment. From her earliest days she longed to travel to distant lands, and marrying Jay whose career in the air force led to a four-year posting to Germany was like a dream come true. Three young children did not deter them from packing up their tent at every opportunity and visiting every European country they were then permitted to visit. Their return to Canada led to a period of uncomfortable readjustment, but when the children were old enough, wherever they were posted, she managed to find interesting and varied employment. On their return to Ottawa in 1971 she was thus prepared to accept a position working first for an M.P. and then for a Minister in the House of Commons when again she was able to fulfill her desire to travel. Her years on the Hill were as stimulating as she could have hoped for - filled with friends, music and laughter, those things most important to her. Another period of adjustment followed when Jay, after retirement from the air force, accepted a position in Victoria, but before long once again they made wonderful new friends and reunited with old ones and a whole new chapter began. She leaves behind (hopefully with cheerful memories) Jay; son Steven (Deb) and their children Kate (Jon), Alison and David; daughter Jennifer (John) Flynn, their children Melissa (J.P.) and baby Jack, Jay J (Katie); and son Jeff (Carole) and children Erik (Samantha), Grant and Emily all of whom fill her with pride and love. Also left, her patient and long-suffering but ever cheerful brother Stan as well as many relatives in Winnipeg and the U.S. Her last difficult days were made bearable by the Hospice Society, VI Home Care and especially by her always supportive and attentive G.P., Dr. Michael Miles. Very special thanks to him. A reception to remember her will be held at a later date, possibly in September. In lieu of flowers please consider donations, to the Cancer Society, the Heart Stroke Foundation or the Salvation Army.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 20, 2010