Anne deLuca Lucht

Born in Würzburg, Germany, on June 11, 1956, Anne was the beloved daughter of Emilie Patton deLuca and the late Major Sanders deLuca. As an “army brat” she lived her first years in a number of places both in Europe and the US, starting first grade in a local school in Kusel, Germany. She later settled with her family in Chapel Hill, NC, but continued to travel extensively in Europe as well as the US, making friends wherever she went. Upon graduation from St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC, Anne went on to earn a BA in Art History from The College of Charleston, where she met her partner in life, Thomas Lucht. They were married on April 21, 1979, and shared 46 wonderful years together.

Anne dedicated much of her professional life to the University of South Carolina-Columbia, working across various departments from 1978 to 2006. Her longest and most cherished tenure was in the Department of Religious Studies, where she often said, “It was a joy to come to work every day.” One of her favorite memories — and one she insisted be shared — was the department’s unique birthday tradition: faculty and staff would sing and dance to the 1940s’ hit “Shoofly Pie and Apple Pandowdy” before celebrating with cake. It was this kind of joyful spirit that Anne brought wherever she went. After retiring from USC, Anne found what she called her true calling — working as a classroom assistant in Richland-Lexington School District 5, where she supported children with special needs. She spoke often of the meaningful relationships she formed there and the deep sense of purpose she felt in that role.

Anne’s vibrant energy lit up every room she entered and she had a particular gift for coaxing more reticent personalities from their shells. Her graciousness, humor, and generosity were matched by a strong work ethic, deep faith, and a meticulous eye for beauty — whether in art, in fashion (especially shoes!), or in the carefully tended garden she nurtured under the hot Columbia sun. Her love for her family, friends, and her loyal dogs was evident in every part of her life, and she was always ready to lend a hand, offer a kind word, or go along on a trip or fun adventure. Her sharp eyes never failed to spot what others might overlook, catching the details that slipped through everyone else’s periphery. Her razor-sharp perception and curiosity allowed her to capture and appreciate all of the subtleties and details of life. Anne had a gift for storytelling that could captivate anyone. Her sharp wit and love for retelling amusing anecdotes made her a joy to be around — she could make any moment feel lighter, funnier, and always memorable. These qualities made Anne an absolute delight to travel with — her enthusiasm for new experiences, her eye for finding the best spots, and her uncanny ability to make even the smallest adventures unforgettable meant that any trip with her was bound to be filled with enjoyment.

Anne is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; her sons, Robert (Phoenix, AZ) and William and his wife Sarahi (Albuquerque, NM); her mother, Emilie deLuca of Chapel Hill, NC; and her brother, James deLuca of Charleston, SC.

The Lucht family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate doctors and nurses at South Carolina Oncology Associates, and to the wonderful caregivers at Interim Healthcare of the Midlands, Hospice Care.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Dunbar Funeral Home-Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC 29063 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.