Lucille Marie Elise Jakubec

Lucille was born near Duck Lake, SK into a farming family, where she was the oldest of 5 siblings. With a desire to explore and try out city life she went to teacher’s college in Saskatoon, then took teaching posts in Swift Current and later Edmonton. During those days in Edmonton, she spent most of her salary on snazzy 1960’s suits, cigarettes and coffee, enjoyed parties, and stole the heart of a hopeful Howard who she married in 1966. Howard and Lucille drove off in his convertible and toward many adventures – teaching in the NWT, back to Swift Current then settling in Kelowna where they raised their kids and built their nest on Valley Road. Lucille loved her nest. She had a house full of activity, opened her home to numerous guests, exchange students who still call her Mom decades later, and was instrumental in nurturing an enduring community of neighbours and friends.

Throughout her time as a Valley Road matriarch, Lucille was a master of hospitality, hosting, advising, supporting, and serving others. She especially nurtured and loved her kids and the neighbourhood bonus children, traveling all over the world to visit her kids, always encouraging their adventures, work, and growth. Lucille knew the value of the simple things in life; time with family and friends, a good bowl of soup, bright white towels, and a well-planned garden. One of the original re-users and re-cyclers, one of her favourite expressions was “don’t throw that out!” She enjoyed volunteering and her work in catering. Chances are if you had wedding in 1980s Kelowna or attended a service club there you will have enjoyed one of her catered meals. She and her business partner, Judi, figured out the ways of the world while baking up a storm. Their lemon meringue pie remains legendary. Lucille loved to cook and read recipe books like they were novels. Nourishing and nurturing people were a way of life. She shared down to earth, common-sense counsel with anyone reaching out. Her love language was giving and sharing her birthday lunches, innovative appetizers, amazing holiday and theme-party dinners replete with costumes and room decor, as well as cakes, pies and cookies that are now favourites for so many friends and family.

Lucille’s light was so bright, she laughed easily and freely exchanged her sharp, sometimes cheeky, humour. Her smile and twinkle were constant. Lucille was good to the bone; even the cancer that seeped into her bones could not take that way. Her acceptance and grace through illness were an inspiration. We were so fortunate to have had her in our lives. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. The close to 80 birthday cards from her fan club said it all!

Lucille is survived by her main fans, her husband of 56 years, Howard, their 3 children Jason (Julie Fisher), Sonya, and Lance (Jennifer), and 2 grandsons (Ethan and Thomas) who will all mourn the loss of their wife, Mother and Mimi deeply. Also mourning Lucille are her 3 surviving siblings Raymond (Daisy) Leduc, Lorraine (Terry) Foster, and Richard Leduc, sibling- in-law Rudy Jakubec, Diane Jakubec, Zane (Lynne) Jakubec & Jen Leduc along with many nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie Lucille. She was predeceased by her parents Henri and Philomene Leduc, her brother Wayne Leduc, siblings-in-law Roseanne Jakubec and Dennis Jakubec.

She was also adored by numerous friends. The McCullochs, and the many long-time friends and neighbours who reached out to connect, pamper her and be part of her long goodbye over the past 6 months meant the world to Lucille. The family is grateful for you all, and for the loving care of Lucille and Howard’s GP of 22 years, Dr. Ronald Schriemer, who treated us like family and guided us all through the expert care and treatment Lucille received with BC Cancer (Drs. Kluftinger, Lin and Sulphur and radiation and nursing teams), at KGH Unit 4B (Drs. Green, Wall, and the amazing nursing team), and at the calming Central Okanagan Hospice. We are also thankful for the outstanding palliative home care nursing team (from Kim at the start to Nicki at the end, and all in between who ensured skilled, compassionate treatment and care always), Interior Health community OT/rehab (Lisa and the wonderful Roy and team at Motion who kept Lucille in motion) and especially her health care aides (from Daisy at the start, to Tamara at the end, and to all the caring beautiful aides throughout these 6 months – Lucille loved you, and you showed your love to her every day). You all enabled Lucille to stay in her nest until close to her final days – a gift to us all.

In lieu of flowers, or in tribute to Lucille who valued education and the tender loving care of her palliative health care aides, the family asks that you make a donation to the Okanagan College Foundation, specifying support for HCA program students.

Lucille was a long-time member of St. Pius X parish. A prayer service will be held at the church (1077 Fuller Ave) on Friday October 28th, 2022 starting at 7pm with a reception to follow.

A memorial celebration befitting the consummate hostess, generous cook and community matron will be arranged for a spring date TBA. In the meantime, serve up a nice slice of lemon meringue pie, pour a coffee, gather some friends, and remember Lucille, with her trademark smile!