Joyce Marie Day Lucas

Joyce Marie Day Lucas passed away from this life and into the arms of the Lord on May 2, 2011 at Whatcom Hospice House. The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Day, Joyce was born on March 8, 1946 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Joyce was the family sunshine from the time she was born. She married Larry D. Lucas December 23, 1964 in Ottumwa. After their three daughters were born, Joyce went to college to get her degree. She graduated in 1985 Summa Cum Laude from Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D. Joyce was an inspired elementary education teacher. Her loving dedication and creative flair were a hallmark of every class and her instinctive talents graced several schools during her three decades of teaching. She spent the remainder of her life as a teacher, with the last twelve years spent at Skyline Elementary in Ferndale. Joyce's students, family and friends will remember her warm smile. In spite of the years of compromising health issues, she demonstrated to all only strength and grace, and worked uncomplainingly. In addition to teaching, Joyce loved reading, cooking, gardening and traveling. A beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and teacher, Joyce leaves behind her husband, Larry Lucas of Bellingham; three daughters, Kelly Lazenby, Krista Lavine and Kandi Sampson; as well as a granddaughter, Molly; her three brothers, Robert Jr., Bill and Michael Day; and her mother, Nadine Day Traxler. Her father, Robert E. Day passed away in September of 2006 in Ottumwa, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, her husband and family ask that memorials be made to the Whatcom Hospice House and the Bellingham Humane Society. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Moles Funeral Home, Bayview Chapel in Bellingham. You may share your thoughts and memories of Joyce in the online memorial guest book at www.molesfuneralhomes.com. Moles Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Bayview Chapel