Marcia "Cookie" Lukas

Marcia Kay Lukas, affectionately known as "Cookie," went to be with her Heavenly Father on August 20, 2025. Born on June 28, 1947, to the late Ida Louise “Honey” and James Joseph Kennedy. Cookie was the youngest of five siblings, including her brothers James Joseph “Butch” Kennedy and the late James Robert “Buster” Kennedy, as well as her sisters Anne Gillenwater and Shannon Frawley. She is survived by her beloved husband, Donald Lukas, and three devoted children: John Charles “Chuck” Green, Kristie Fox, and Emily Hanson. She also had 3 stepsons, whom she loved like her own: Brett, Christopher, and Michael Lukas. Her legacy continues through her 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom will deeply miss her warm presence.

Cookie’s educational journey began at Good Counsel Catholic School and continued at Mount Saint Mary Academy. Early in life, she embraced motherhood, welcoming her three children with love and dedication. After years of raising her family as a single mother, she rekindled a childhood friendship with Donald Lukas, and they married in 1992, sharing a beautiful life together until her passing.

A beacon of kindness and selflessness, Cookie was known for her unwavering generosity, often lending a hand to those in need, including strangers. Her compassion extended many times to family members in need, always opening her heart and home. In 2008, she retired early to care for her late daughter-in-law, Leigh Barrington Green, during her courageous battle with ALS, exemplifying the ultimate caregiver.

Cookie's home was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Her backyard became a playground for her children and grandchildren, where adventures unfolded in every season. They spent countless summer days harvesting vegetables from her garden, playing badminton, and raking trails through the autumn leaves for spirited games of tag. Halloween was a highly anticipated time, as her intricately handmade haunted houses transformed her home that delighted her kids and grandkids alike.

The family also enjoyed memorable trips to Romance, Arkansas, where Cookie's adventurous spirit shone as she waded in the creek and swam in the swimming hole, teaching her grandchildren the art of crawdad hunting. Known for her love of scary movies, she entertained her grandchildren with spooky tales around the campfire, complete with hotdogs and s'mores—always with perfectly burnt marshmallows. As we remember Cookie, let us strive to carry on her playful, family-oriented spirit. May we embody her quiet generosity and continue to serve those less fortunate. Her legacy of kindness will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held in her honor on Tuesday, August 26, at ImmaculateConception. The day will begin with a visitation at 10 AM, followed by a rosary at 10:30AM and Mass at 11 AM.

Rest in peace, Cookie. Your love and light will forever be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to https://www.stjude.org/