Anna Mae Lucas

Anna Mae (Schindler) Lucas, 66, of Fairview Township, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center with her family by her side. To those closest to her, she was known as “Nonie,” a nod to her grandmother, the late Helen Spadafore. Comparisons between the two were uncanny; sacrificing their time and talents for others, bringing the family together with unbelievable food and a loving home, and leading a faithful and productive life each and every day.

Raised by her mother, Nonie was born in Harrisburg, graduating from Steelton-Highspire High School (’74) and quickly finding employment with the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot. Like so many other aspects of life, her dedication to work was unparalleled, closing in on 47 years of employment. Nonie had to be asked to please not arrive so early for work, and she was typically forced out at day’s end. She was a walking encyclopedia when it came to Marine and Naval ammunition supply systems and she took her job as an analyst very seriously. Beyond that, she was the only person in the federal government tasked with handling duties for both military branches. But what made her truly special was her love for others. She took pleasure in organizing the yearly Christmas Party and decorating contest, and dressing like an elf was just a given. Nonie organized meals for folks falling on hard times and she donated her own personal and sick days to those in greater need, forgoing vacation. Early in her career, she was introduced to a co-worker named Darrell, and after getting up the courage, he would ask her out to the movies. Despite the movie being terrible, the two continued to date and would marry shortly thereafter, starting a life and family together.

Nonie never complained and she always did the right thing. Her good deeds were frequent and simply part of her nature. Just past the midway point of every year, she would start working overtime and a second job, making sure the kids had Christmas presents despite money being tight. Nonie supported her children in all facets of life, from nightly homework help to cheering them on at all their athletic endeavors. She had to say goodbye to her oldest son who left for the military, followed the youngest’s band to numerous smoke-filled venues just so she could be his #1 fan, and grimaced as the middle son’s shoulder was dislocated mid-match during high school wrestling, but she always remained positive, finding the silver lining in all they did. She happily assumed the role of babysitter for her grandchildren, and she developed a special relationship with each one.. She spoiled them almost constantly, from slipping them money to making custom cakes and decorations for their birthdays. Nonie would also become a source of peace and stability for her grandson with autism. She had a sense of understanding with others, especially those who wouldn’t or couldn’t articulate their needs. If someone needed help, she would be there in a second… bringing along food, of course.

Cooking was a daily task, and unsurprisingly, she took delight in making food and feeding others. She had an unbelievable sense about the kitchen, concocting the most delicious meals on the planet despite multitasking the entire time. Some of her specialties included lasagna, pasta salad and pumpkin pie. But she wasn’t a perfect chef – when tasked with cooking for her immediate family, she would errantly quadruple the recipe (at least). It became evident throughout the years that this was merely another extension of her giving way, making sure that her kids had leftovers to take home, as well as neighbors, co-workers or perfect strangers. She relished in being purposely vague with her ingredient amounts, and her family will never forget the two 32 lb. turkeys she made (and struggled to carry) one Thanksgiving.

Nonie was a longtime member of Calvary Chapel Harrisburg – West Shore, Camp Hill, where she nurtured her faith and connection with the Lord. Her Christian values were evident every hour of every day, and she was transparent in all she did. She was always busy and racing around, and all while wearing a pair of high heels. She was crafty and prided herself in decorating and re-decorating the house with the changing seasons. She enjoyed collecting antiques and if she played the lottery, you bet she’d take triple sixes. She would joke and say that the secret ingredient in her recipes was “love,” but in actuality it was the main ingredient, and it was anything but secret. Being called “Nonie” was not simply a nickname, but a moniker she wore like a badge of honor. Quite simply, if love was a person, it would have been her.

Surviving is her husband of 44 years, Darrell Lucas; her sons, Gregory Lucas (wife, Mary Ann) of Camp Hill, Derek Lucas of Clearwater, FL, and Jason Lucas (Beckie) of Camp Hill; grandchildren, Kelsey (husband, Joe), Jamin (fiancé Jacey), Joki, Kamden, Peyton, Keller and Caleb; great-grandchildren, William, Benji, Naomi, Greyson and (soon to be #5) Ashton; siblings, Diane Schindler and Chuck Megonnell; an aunt, Sandra “Nan” Spadafore; cousin, Tracey Spadafore; nieces, Brandy Sprout and Crystal Miley; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joyce Schaefer, Shirley Stetler, Foster “Sam” Lucas, James Lucas, Edward Lucas and Karen Keller; and her best friend of 40+ years, Donna Bennett. She was preceded in death by her mother, Olga (Spadafore) Dagenhart; nephew, Christopher Megonnell; and a sister-in-law, Vonda Megonnell.

Services will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland, with a visitation running from 12PM until a memorial service begins at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Anna Mae’s name to: Autism Society Greater Harrisburg Area – P.O. Box 101, Enola, PA 17025.