Darlene R. (Champion) Lucas
BEAVER GROVE, Mich. — Darlene R. (Champion) Lucas, age 67, of Beaver Grove, entered eternal life Thursday, June 7, 2018, at her home, in the loving care of her family and caregivers of Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice after a year long courageous battle with cancer. Darlene was born October 30, 1950, in Ishpeming, to Albert and Ruth (Kangas) Champion and was a 1968 graduate of Ishpeming High School. Following graduation, she started working as a retail clerk at Dubinsky’s Department Store and later at Kmart. After almost 25 years of service, she retired to focus on her role as a fulltime mother and homemaker. Darlene was a caring, compassionate and kind person who loved all animals, the outdoors and most of all cherished the time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren and family. In her spare time she loved crafting, going to craft shows, watching high school basketball and NMU basketball. She was a Detroit Lions fan, Tigers fan, Pittsburgh Steelers Fan, enjoyed women’s softball, and enjoyed the Sands Speedway. Darlene was a member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church and, in her younger years, the Feeder Corps for the Ishpeming Blue Notes Drum and Bugle Corps, and enjoyed bowling.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Michael “Mike” Lucas; her two children, Nicole Lucas of Beaver Grove and Chris (Darcey) Lucas of Harvey; her two grandchildren, Madison Lucas of Beaver Grove and Bowden Lucas of Harvey; a sister, Debbie (Donald) Erickson of Ishpeming; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Michael; and her two brothers, Daryl Champion and Dennis Champion.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Monday, June 11, beginning at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon with the Rev. Glenn Theoret, pastor, as celebrant. A reception will follow in Fr. Gauthier Hall. Pallbearers will be Paul Bressette, Rich and Paula Schwenke, Ray Keskimaki, Donald Erickson, and Ryan Erickson.
The family would like to express their appreciation to some pretty special people, namely: to UP Home Health and Hospice, Dorothy, Patience, and Kathy, and the Marquette Oncology Department, Peninsula Pharmacy, Sixth Floor nursing staff, especially Kyle, primary care Dr. Shawna Gleason, ER personnel especially Bridget, Jessica, and Virgel, and good friends and employees at the A & M Cafe. Your compassionate professionalism helped create quality time for Darlene and family.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderfuneralhome.com