Lucille Dana Soukup

Lucille Dana Angell Soukup, 94, passed into eternity at her home of 60 years, in Wilmington, DE, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, after a brief illness. She was born on January 31,1931 in Richmond, VA to Ralph McLean Angell, Sr. and Frances Bennett Angell. In addition to her parents, Lu was predeceased by her husband, Roy Soukup, Jr.; her brother, Ralph M. Angell, Jr.; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy Soukup, Sr. and Iva H. Soukup; her cousin, Nancy Angell Wretschko; her daughter-in-law, The Rev. Dr. Dcn. Dorothy "Ricky" Brightman; her sons-in-law, Michael G. Falcone and Ronald L. Blackburn; beloved aunts and uncles, cousins, and life-long friends.

Lu grew up in South Richmond, and attended Patrick Henry Elementary, Bainbridge Jr. High School, and was a proud member of the John Marshall High School Class of 1948. She graduated from Westhampton College of the University of Richmond in 1952 with a bachelor's degree in English. Lu was a fourth-generation teacher. She returned to her elementary school as a fourth-grade teacher after college and taught at Harlan Elementary School in Wilmington, DE after her marriage to Roy in 1954.

Music was an essential part of her life from the beginning. She began singing with her father as a small child and at her family church, Stockton St. Baptist in Richmond. As a teenager, she joined the choir at Grace Baptist Church. She formed many friendships there that would continue throughout her life. In 1959 in Wilmington, Lu began as a soprano soloist at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and remained in the choir for over 50 years.

It was music that brought Lu and Roy together. They met in elementary school, taking piano lessons together in South Richmond with their beloved teacher, Maggie Holland. As adults, they reconnected through a dinner Maggie planned in her home. Lu and Roy's musical bond lasted throughout their lives. Lu participated in special music events with Roy's church choirs. They both created and performed many voice and piano programs in the Wilmington area over the years. They were members of the Madrigal Singers of Wilmington and the Brandywiners Chorale. She was a Life Member of the Brandywiners theater group. She attended every summer production since 1953. Lu participated by ushering, working on ticket sales, and performing in several productions.

Lu was a student of history, especially in her homes in Virginia and Delaware. After moving to Wilmington with Roy in 1954, she embraced her new home state and its history. She became a museum guide and educator, first at Nemours and then at Hagley Museum, where she worked in many capacities for over 34 years. She took a wide variety of courses at the Osher Life Long Learning Institute of the University of Delaware in Wilmington.

Faith was a foundation of Lu's long life. She grew up in the Baptist Church in Richmond. She was confirmed as an adult in the Episcopal Church. At St. Andrew's and in the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, Lu was an active participant in music and many other aspects of church life. She served with the Women of St. Andrew's, on Wilmington Garden Day committees, the Episcopal Church Women, attended church conventions, baked pies for and served Lenten Lunches, and served St. Andrew's on the vestry, including as Junior and Senior Warden. She was instrumental in the formation of The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew in 1996.

Lu and Roy raised her brother, Mac, from the age of 12, and their four children, with a deep sense of love and appreciation for family and family history. She carried a sense of connection with previous generations. Her unbounding devotion to all of her family is legendary and lives on in each one. Lu is survived by her son, Alan D. Soukup of Rockville, MD; her daughters, The Rev. Dr. Nancy H. Soukup of Warwick, RI, Betty S. Blackburn of Richmond, VA, and Catherine C. "Katie" Soukup of Wilmington, De. Katie was her devoted caregiver in the last years of her life. Additionally, Lu is survived by her grandchildren, Amy C. Soukup and her husband, Kenneth Denmark, of Odenton, MD, Patrick M. Blackburn of Richmond, VA, and Brian A. Soukup and his partner, Sachet Laschkolnig of Hanover, MD; 3 step-granddaughters, Jessica Blackburn, Audrey Falcone, and Julia Hild; a great-grandchild, due in April; and many beloved cousins and friends.

A memorial service is planned for March 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, 719 N. Shipley St. Wilmington, DE 19801. Interment will take place in Richmond in June. Lu's wish was that any memorials in her name be made to The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew, at the above address, or online by clicking here.