Phyllis Lucas,

Lucas, Phyllis I. MONONA-Phyllis I. Lucas, age 81, died on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at St. Mary's Care Center. She was born on Feb. 5, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Donald and Madeline (Grobe) Brewer. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Academy in 1947. On June 12, 1954, she was united in marriage to Merl F. Lucas at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubuque. They moved from Marinette, Wisc. to Monona. Phyllis was employed for 30 years at the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds, retiring in June 1988. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, in Monona, since 1957 and was a life-time member of Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Phyllis and Merl enjoyed traveling all over the world after their retirement. They did many cruises to exotic places, making close friendships on their travels. Phyllis was a caring person who loved helping others and was a good friend to many. She enjooyed good times at the Monona pool with her water aerobics and her crochet classes at the Monona Senior Center where she made baby afghans. She loved writing poetry about friends, fun times, babies, dogs, kids and life in general. Phyllis also collected squirrel figurines with a collection of over 800. She also enjoyed a good joke and loved being with fun people. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Merl; her sister, Nita Nebel of Dubuque; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; relatives and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Madeline; father, Donald Brewer; brothers, Gene and Harland "Bud" Brewer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2010, with the Rev. Bart Timmerman presiding. Entombment willfollow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2010 and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Memorials may be made to Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Many thanks to Phyllis' doctor, Dr. Daniel Barry, and his nurse, Jennifer, and the staff at St. Mary's Care Center for their kindness, patience and compassion. Memorials: Memorials may be made to Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. Cemetery: Entombment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2010 and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 23, 2010, with the Rev. Bart Timmerman presiding.