Barbara Margaret Lukemeyer

Barbara Lukemeyer, 91, died peacefully at her home in Bloomington, Indiana on April 27, 2018 of natural causes. She was born in Washington, Indiana, to John L. and Eugenia Hayes. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. George T. Lukemeyer, who died on February 25, 2018, parents John L. and Eugenia Hayes, siblings Helen Thompson and Michael Hayes, and son-in-law Kriss Drass.

She is survived by her son, George Lukemeyer II, daughter-in-law, Shelley Lukemeyer, daughter, Anna Lukemeyer, and four loving grandchildren, Hannah Lukemeyer, George Lukemeyer III, Jacques Poirier, and Jon-Luc Poirier. She is also survived by three of her five sisters and brothers, Gingie Beck, Anna Rockefeller, and John Hayes.

Barbara Lukemeyer received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bacteriology from Indiana University in 1949. Upon graduation, she was employed by Eli Lilly and Company until she married the love of her life, Dr. George Lukemeyer, on September 30, 1950. They remained married until his death, 67 years later.

Barbara Lukemeyer was a strong, intelligent, and loving wife and mother. Her family particularly noted her ability to look unpleasant facts square in the face and address them effectively, a quality her children both admired and occasionally feared. This quality never restricted her ability to connect with all she met, becoming close friends with many and beloved by all. Her husband remarked that she reminded him of Katherine Hepburn.

A Mass of Catholic Burial in her honor will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Center on May 3 at 10:00 AM/EST. Entombment will be held following the services at Valhalla Memory Gardens. Friends are invited to visit the family on Wednesday, May 2 from 4:00 to 8:00 at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home; 4150 E. Third St; Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Paul’s Catholic Center Campus Ministry, 1413 East 17th street, Bloomington, Indiana 47408.