WEST PEABODY – Kathleen F. (Lucas) Wilkens, 81, of West Peabody, wife of the late Ernst P. Wilkens, died Thursday, August 1, 2013 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers surrounded by her family.
She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jean (Ryan) Lucas. Kay was born and raised in Toronto, Canada and with her husband Ernie immigrated to the United States. Kay was extremely proud of her US citizenship. After raising her six children, Kay went on to manage the Irish Cottage in Peabody and Burlington for many years. Kay donated countless hours of community service including: membership in the Bishop Fenwick High Parents Guild, Catholic Charities and the Guild of the Infant Savior.
Kay’s vibrant life was devoted to family and friends. Kindness was her hallmark. Kay’s home was a hub of activity and always ready to receive visitors. She was a collector of friends, and a “mother” to countless chums of her children. She loved gatherings of all sizes. There was always room at Kay’s table. Visitors always found freshly baked cake under glass in her kitchen. In fact for Kay, “strangers were friends she had yet to meet”.
A devoted and loving mother, Kay is survived by six children and their spouses: John and his wife Patricia of Methuen, Peter and his wife Colleen of Marblehead, Gerald and his wife Margaret of Salem, James and his wife Sheri of China Maine, Katharine and her husband Rob Kaplan of Newburyport and Liza and her husband Alan Valenca of Wilmington. Her nine grandchildren include: Dr. Eric Wilkens and his wife Dr. Pamela Roehm, Michael Wilkens and his wife Stephanie, Sarah Wilkens, Peter Wilkens and his wife Melissa, Kiley Wilkens, Christian Wilkens, Megan Wilkens, Lucas Kaplan, Harrison Kaplan. Kay also delighted in four cherished great-granddaughters. She is also survived by her sisters: Donna, Reta, Theresa, Josephine and Marion Wilkens in the greater Toronto area. Kay was predeceased by her infant son, Paul, brother, John Lucas, sister Marie Ferguson, and her second husband Edward F. Bockhoff.
Her funeral service will be held Monday, August 5, 2013 at 8 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by funeral Mass at 9 am at the Immaculate Conception Church, Salem. Visiting hours are Sunday, from 3 to 7 pm. Burial services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the John Bertram House, 29 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970, or The Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923. For on line guest book and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.