Bench dedicated and scholarship established in her name
Last October, her friends and family received a crushing blow after she passed away unexpectedly during a routine surgery.
Lucas was a Salem native. She was the daughter of Richard and Nell Lucas, the sister of Susan Lucas and the mother of Lindsey Norcross. She was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School’s last graduating class in 1977, and a graduate of Radford University and the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing. She received her certification in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing from Emory University.
A small memorial service was held at the garden with a handful of her friends and family in attendance. Her friends, Susan Kessler and Anne Grove, organized the service. According to Grove, the three were on the committee to organize their high school reunion four years ago.
“When the reunion was over, it was Nancy who said, ‘I don’t want this to end,’” said Grove.
They then formed the Wolverine Dinner Club, as the Wolverine was their mascot during their time at Andrew Lewis High School. After that, they met every month for dinner.
“We’ve formed new friendships all over again, and Nancy was sort of the root of all of that,” Grove said.
“Even if she wasn’t feeling good, she always had a smile,” she said. “When she was young, they called her Nurse Nancy, because was so caring and such a wonderful friend.”
“But she was the class clown,” Kessler added, with a smile. “She always made everybody laugh.”
The Rev. Will Iler presented the Nancy Lee Lucas Memorial Bench, and led a prayer of dedication. Salem High School Chorus members, Claire Mitchell and AnnElese Galleo, provided special music.
The Nancy Lee Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established by family, friends and classmates in her honor. The scholarship will fund a one-time financial award(s) to one or more Roanoke City, Roanoke County or Salem City nurses who are seeking advanced training in the specialty of Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing.
All inquires and donations to the fund should be directed to The Nancy Lee Lucas Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 21202, Roanoke, Va. 24018.