Obituary of Martha E Lucke

We honor the passing of Martha Emma Thomas Lucke, of Garden City Park, NY on October 27th, 2011 in her 85th year. For sixty (60) years, she was the beloved wife of Professor Sherwood G. Lucke, Martha Lucke was an advocate for public education and children. She worked diligently on these causes at the local, regional and state levels. Locally, she was a member of the Jackson Ave. School PTA. Later, she became President of the Mineola Jr. High School PTA and the Mineola Sr. High School PTSA. At the regional level, she enhanced Mineola School District's reputation while serving on the Nassau County District PTA, and was the unifying force for all six of the school district's PTA's as President of the Mineola District Council PTA. Because of her diligent work, outstanding qualifications and experience on behalf of children and public education, Mrs. Lucke was appointed by then Governor Hugh L. Carey to serve on the New York State ECIA (Education Consolidation and Improvement Act) Chapter 2 Advisory Committee in 1981. Upon her retirement as President of the Mineola District Council in May 1982, she was honored by the New York State Legislature in Legislative Resolution Assembly #960 submitted by New York Assemblyman Angelo F. Orazio. Mrs. Lucke was lauded for her "outstanding leadership, concern and responsiveness, and her willingness to give totally of herself for the good of all students of the Mineola School District and the people of New York". She was honored by proclamation by the Town of North Hempstead on May 28th 1982 as "Martha Lucke Day "in recognition of the contributions of this outstanding individual". On June 7th 1982, Mayor Carl F. Del Vecchio and the people of the Incorporated Village of Williston Park, honored Mrs. Lucke for "giving unselfishly of herself for the good of all students of the Mineola School District" by proclaiming "Martha Lucke Day". Even though she was retired from her service with the PTA, Mrs. Lucke was re-appointed by then Governor Mario M. Cuomo as a member of the New York State (ECIA) Education Consolidation and Improvement Act Chapter 2 Advisory Committee on October 12, 1984. The governor stated that he was "gratified that you have accepted this reappointment, and am confident you will continue to serve the people of our State with dedication and distinction". Martha Emma Thomas Lucke was the loving mother of Shelley Lucke-Jennings, Sherwood Thomas Lucke, Sydney Lucke-Angel and Sherlund Davis Lucke. She was the cherished grandmother of five grandchildren Mason Jennings, Francessca Angel, Emma Jennings, Spencer Lucke and Alexa Lucke. Her smile, laughter and undying spirit will live on through her children and grandchildren. Reposing Weigand Brothers Funeral Home, 49 Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY, 11596 Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Funeral Service Wednesday 10 AM at the Church of the Advent in Westbury. Cremation to follow at Fresh Pond Crematory.