Mary Cash Lukas

It is with a heavy heart and deepest sorrow that we share the passing of a loving and beautiful person, Mary Cash Lukas. Following a long battle with cancer, Mary entered Heaven on the evening of July 28, 2025.

In May 2023, after more than twenty-three years of service as a teacher and After Care Director, Mary Cash Lukas retired from Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic School in Mandeville, Louisiana. Her devotion to the children of Mary, Queen of Peace, is legendary. After retirement, Mary received many letters from parents and students expressing how she had been, “an important part of our children’s lives”. A student reflected on Mary’s retirement announcement by writing, “You were my 1st Mary, Queen of Peace mom. You were ‘Miss Mary'. You have been my comfort, you’ve been my safe space at MQP for a long, long time”. Mary loved all the children at Mary, Queen of Peace. Her love was displayed in her smile and vibrance in the hallway and classrooms. A parent would reflect: “I am thankful that my children had you. Being around you has taught them so much. I love you. You have also taught me how to sacrifice for others without complaining. You have a huge heart of gold.” After retirement from Mary, Queen of Peace, Mary continued to teach Vacation Bible School during the summer.

Mary Cash Lukas grew up in New Orleans and attended grammar school at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School. She graduated from Cabrini High School in New Orleans, where she remained active in Alumni Affairs, and furthered her education at the University of New Orleans. Mary’s early career in business led her to advance as a merchandising manager at Maison Blanche and Dillard's Department Store. Her heart always centered around children. After moving to St. Tammany Parish, Mary dedicated her time to St. Michael’s Pre-School's “Mother's Day Out Program”.

Mary and her husband, Brian, recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on February 2, 2024. They have been married nearly fifty-two years. Mary was a loving, devoted wife and mother. She was “MiMi” to her grandchildren, spending hours at the ballpark, attending school functions, and family beach trips. In later life, Mary became a devoted confidant and trusted friend to my daughter, Jessica. Our son Jeffrey would describe our love for Mary, ”She was more than just a mom. She was strength, warmth, kindness, and unconditional love all wrapped into one. She had a laugh that could brighten any room and a heart big enough to hold everyone she met. Whether it was her quiet support or her fierce belief in the people she loved, she gave everything she had to her family and friends.”

Mary Cash Lukas is survived by her husband, Brian Lukas, and their two children, Jeffrey Lukas and Jessica Lukas Constant, and their spouses, Tammy Dalton Lukas and Joseph Constant III. They have four wonderful grandchildren, Zoey Lukas, Natalie Constant, Garrett Constant, and Lukas Constant. Mary is also survived by her brother, Dr. Michael Cash, and the many loving nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Mary and Juan Carreras, and her brother Anthony Cash III.

With Mary’s passing, there has been an outpouring of thoughts and memories focused on Mary’s spirit as a teacher at Mary, Queen of Peace. Mary's support and compassion had a positive impact on the students and parents. The kind words of one student illustrate Mary’s commitment to the children of Mary, Queen of Peace. “Words will never describe how grateful I am for your presence in my life. You have been such a huge part in making Mary, Queen of Peace, a home to me. You helped me to be seen and heard when I needed it the most.”

Mary touched many lives, and her memory will live on with her family, her students, and her many friends. The world is a better place because of Mary Cash Lukas. She is so loved and will be dearly missed. From a student: “I will miss you with all my heart, but I was so lucky to have you as a teacher”. Our family will miss Mary so much. We were very fortunate to have Mary in our lives. God bless her.

Please consider a donation to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Covington. The doctors and nurses were so kind to Mary.

Visitation for Mary will be held on Friday, August 8th at Grace Funeral Home beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 PM. Mary will be laid to rest at St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden.