Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Feb 3, 1930 - Aug 6, 2025
I just learned of Aunt Lucille's passing and while I haven't seen her in many years I know she always kept in touch with my Mom, and Sister Cathy, and was always willing to help them whenever they needed anything especially when they needed her most. My condolences to the Family!
Ron Bishop
August 21, 2025 | Acworth, GA | Family
Sending my deepest condolences to the Van Wormer family. Your mother was a wonderful person and a very dear friend of my mother’s. She will be missed by many people in the North country. She was kind, compassionate, full of energy and a true “pioneer.” I always enjoyed my visits and phone calls with her throughout the years. May God bless her and your family.
Jo-Ellen Doldo
August 16, 2025 | Ashburn, VA | Friend
Your mother was the nicest person to ever walk the face of this earth. I remember the good times our family’s had growing up. Both your mother and dad will be forever in my memory.
Our deepest sympathy and may God Bless you all.
John Eldridge
August 15, 2025 | Pharr, TX | Friend
The very best neighbor we ever had,much love Miss Lucille ❤ truly one who will fly with the angels.
Marty and Deborah Mathieu
August 13, 2025 | Chaumont, NY | Friend
Sorry to hear this . I will always remember her coming to our house while we were on the porch and having our little talks .
Mary Dusckas
August 12, 2025 | Watertown Ny
I lived next door to Lucille for 9 years. She was one of my favorite people in the world. My sincerest condolences go to her family. She will be missed.
Alison MacLean
August 12, 2025 | Watertown, NY | Neighbor
Dear Tom, Maureen, and family. I am so very so for the loss of your beautiful Mom. I haven't seen her in several years, but have fond memories of the great lady she was. You are all in my prayers.
Stephanie Halferty
August 12, 2025 | WATERTOWN, NY
Lucille was the sweetest neighbor!! She was always outside, gardening, and sharing her adventures!! I'm so very sorry for your loss. Heaven gained another angel ❤❤❤
Marie Flansburg
August 12, 2025 | ORLANDO, FL | Neighbor
So sorry to see that Mrs. Van Wormer has passed. So kind, caring and gracious don't think I ever saw her without a smile on her face. Van Wormer family, old northside neighbors, friends know that my prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Always keep her in your heart, remember the good times, happy times she will continue to be with you a Mom's lover never leaves you. Love to you all my Northside Neighbors.
Margaret Navarra
August 12, 2025 | Watertown, NY | Acquaintance
Lucille (Wheeler) Van Wormer, passed away peacefully, while in residence at Hospice of Jefferson County, on August 6, 2025, with family and caregivers at her side.
Lucille was born to Mary (Grieco) and Willis B. Wheeler on February 3, 1930. She grew up on the family farm and was one of eleven siblings. A graduate of Adams Center High School, she married Ralph Van Wormer the following year, in September 1948. They raised their six children in the Catholic faith and were active communicants of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church on the Northside.
Lucille worked for NY Telephone for years and genuinely enjoyed her union brothers and sisters throughout her career and into retirement as a “Pioneer.”
Mother dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for her family. She enjoyed her garden and traveling, but most of all, her family, and friends.
She was pre-deceased by her loving husband “Bucky;” her parents; siblings; two grandchildren, Rebecca, and Jeremiah; and son-in-law Allen Benway.
Lucille is survived by her six children: Thomas (Maureen), James (Leslie), Michael (Gina), Mary (Robert), Karen Van Wormer-Benway, and Paul (Birgitt), along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law Edna (Gordon) Wheeler.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W. Lynde Street, Watertown NY, on Tuesday August 19th, at 11am. The family will receive visitors one hour before, as well as a rosary prayer being offered at 10:15am in the church. A light reception will follow the mass in Dostie Hall. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery, US Rte. 11, Adams Center, NY.
The family would like to thank JoAnn Clement, mother’s best friend, the loving care-givers Lucille had at her home (Carol, Rose, Lisa and Lynn), the staff at the Lodge at Ives Hill (assisted living), and the Hospice team that comforted her during her final months.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County and Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.
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