Kathleen Ann Lukas (nee LeHoty) passed away in Memphis, TN, on July 16, 2022, preceded by her parents, Robert and Mary, and her beloved Aunt Ruthie (Ruth Scott). Born in Cleveland, OH, on October 19, 1949, she is survived by her loving sons Kenneth and Timothy, as well as her siblings Robert (Sandra), James, John (Maggie), Donald, Patrick, Sharon, Maureen, Sheila, Eileen, her cousin Mary Ellen Scott, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Special friends include Steve Hall and the Bayazitov family: Ildar, Guzel, Renata, and Maya. Last but not least, her very spoiled dog, Little Bit, waits for her to come home.

 

Besides Cleveland, Kathleen lived in New York City, Wilmington, DE, Victoria and Corpus Christi, TX, and since 1987, Memphis, where she stayed. She graduated from college with a degree in business, but ultimately became a stay-at-home mom to devote herself entirely to her sons.

 

When her sons were both in elementary school, she started working as a substitute teacher and earned a degree in education from the University of Memphis to embark on a second career as an elementary teacher, mostly kindergarten and first grade. In addition to her time in the classroom, she spent many hours working at home, surrounded by school supplies. She spent generously from her personal funds on classroom expenses, including supplies for children who could not afford them.

 

She enjoyed drawing and painting, crossword puzzles, history, and animals.  She also learned to swim late in life, a skill of which she was proud.

 

Kathleen was always an honest, strong, courageous, compassionate, and ethical person. She stayed true to her values even in difficult times. She considered herself first and foremost a mom for Ken and Tim, and nurtured and protected them through many challenges, remaining a pure point of light and a safe place in a turbulent world. Those who loved her are heartbroken, and with her passing the world is less bright.

 

A visitation will be held at Jenkins Funeral Chapel, 2914 Dover Center Road, Westlake on July 27 from 6-8 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Clarence Catholic Church, 30106 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, will be held on Thursday, July 28 at 11 am followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to charities of choice that purchase school supplies for needy children or support animal welfare and fight animal abuse.