Irene Lucas

We gather to miss and mourn Irene Mae Lucas, born the youngest in the Kjonaas family of 4 on January 6, 1931, in Minot, North Dakota. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on April 16, 2025, after a full and joyous life. Irene grew up on a farm near Eckman, North Dakota, with her siblings, Alvin, Ralph and Mavis Kjonaas who all made it to heaven faster than she did. What Irene did not have in speed, she had in charm, grace, humor, and the ability to giggle at life's unknowns.

Irene was best known for her ability to shrug off life's trials with a smile and a wink (and she was right; things really do work out), her hugs, krumkake, and the way she smelled of old lady perfume. She had glamour and was an unparalleled host. She had an enviable jewelry collection and put all of us to shame with her classy outfits and style. We miss the days when, mad at her beloved husband, she spent a hundred dollars to make her point that he ought not to do that (whatever it was) again.

A proud woman of Norwegian descent, Irene carried on the traditions of her heritage, especially through her involvement with Sons Of Norway. She was a consummate volunteer and throughout her retirement years was active with Interfaith Foodbank, piano, Empire mine docent, and a reading teacher. She and Jim were past members of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, and recently worshipped at Peace Lutheran in Grass Valley, California. In her early years, she managed to raise strong willed, argumentative children who built on her lived Lutheran faith to serve others and make positive changes in their communities. She worked as a teacher and retail clerk at Capwells. Irene's home was welcome to all walks of life, most especially those rascals and ruffians her husband called friends and colleagues. She was known for delicious treats like lefse and krumkake and tales of more dubious Norwegian delicacies we cannot name here, lest you lose respect for a woman who loved gristle and burnt toast, and lutefisk. Yes, really.

We expect many to miss the small woman with a head of soft white hair and knarled hands gazing across a piano who exuded warmth, generosity, and deep faith. Join us to send her on her way. A memorial will be on May 24th,11am, at Peace Lutheran in Grass Valley.

Irene was preceded in death by her dear husband Jim Lucas and son Lamar Contardi, beloved parents, Inez and George Kjonaas, her brothers Alvin and Ralph and sister Mavis Gomes. She is survived by her loving children: Valerie Jill Oman, Jeff Lucas (Jeanne Pefferlucas) and Robin Parish (Bob), and many grandchildren: Lori Brittell (Steve), Emily Lucas, Renee Foster (Chris), Henry Lucas (Milena), Lamar's sons Jimmie (Brittany) and Ryan Contardi and her great grandchildren: Cheyenne, Clive, Hazel, Luke, Rya, Lilly and Luca.

We can hear her say "Home James" as we send her back to her beloved, Jim, though we miss her so.

In lieu of flowers, please don your most outrageous pair of clip on earrings and kitten heels to her memorial to be held at Peace Lutheran Church ELCA, 828 W Main Street, Grass Valley, California on May 24, 2025 at 11am.

Donations may be made to Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley or the Dementia Society of America.