Margaret Alice Leach Lucas of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, at the age of 91. She leaves behind a legacy as a devoted mother, wife, friend, and mentor, whose life was a testament to her passion for education, her unwavering faith, and her deep love for her family.
Born in 1932 in Port Arthur, Texas, to James Ivy and Effie Leach, Margaret met her future husband, William Frederick (Fred) Lucas, at Thomas Jefferson High School. Their shared duties on the student council and their election as prom-dance “royalty” by their classmates marked the beginning of their enduring bond. As a cheerleader and a member of the Red Hussars, Margaret never missed a football game that Fred played in, supporting him throughout their high school years. Their partnership flourished into a marriage that lasted 63 years.
Margaret’s academic pursuits led her to North Texas University in Denton, where she became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. For six years she taught sixth and seventh graders in the Dallas Independent School District.
Margaret and Fred married while he attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas on a football scholarship. Following medical school, Fred took up service in the U.S. Air Force hospital in Tachikawa, Japan, where Margaret taught and worked as an elementary school counselor on the Air Force base. She received a letter of commendation for her service in counseling and service on the faculty advisory committee. Reflecting on their time in Japan, Margaret often recounted at family reunions how she and Fred climbed the 12,388-foot Mt. Fuji, using their story to teach about perseverance.
Back home, Margaret’s passion for education continued through her active involvement in her sons’ academic lives. From PTA leadership roles, including as chairman of Project Graduation at Westlake High School in Austin, to creating newsletters and leading Cub Scout dens, her contributions were far reaching. Her interest in genealogy later in life, evident through her active membership in the Texas State Genealogical Society, demonstrated her deep appreciation for history and family heritage.
A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Margaret served tirelessly from her youth as teacher and mentor in many congregations. Her leadership as stake Relief Society president of the Austin Texas Stake, where she traveled extensively throughout central Texas to support the women’s program of the church, exemplified her dedication to her faith and her community.
Margaret’s legacy is carried on by her loving family, including her four sons and their spouses–Rick and JoAnn of Austin, Marshall and Destiny of The Woodlands, Texas, Jeff and Stacy of Weston, Massachusetts, and Jason and Katauna of Farmington, New Mexico–alongside her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren especially treasured their “birthday dates” with Grandma, typically choosing McDonald’s restaurants as their celebratory venue.
Margaret’s life was a beacon of love, learning, and leadership. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the countless lives she touched with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering spirit.
The family would like to thank Dr. Sarah Daniels, the staff of Magnolia Hospice, and the staff at Ledgestone Assisted Living for their sweet and tender care.
A viewing will be held at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 411 RR 620 South, in Lakeway, on Friday, February 23, at 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24, at 10 a.m. at the LDS Church, 5201 Convict Hill Road, in Austin. A private graveside service will also be held at Haynie Flat Cemetery in Spicewood, Texas.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18