Barbara B. Lukas

Ithaca: Barbara Bennett Lukas, age 92, of Winter Haven, Florida passed away April 26, 2017. Barbara was a long time resident of Cayuga Heights before moving to Florida in October, 2015. Barbara was born in Fulton, NY to Fred and Gladys (Wise) Bennett, with one brother. Barbara was married in 1945 to Vincent DePaul Lukas, who served during WWII in the US Army Air Corps as a B-17 lead crew navigator. After raising four children, Barbara worked for Sears in Newark, NY and was quickly promoted to store manager for the Triphammer Mall catalog store in Ithaca. Shortly after, Barbara became the owner of the franchise Sears Catalog Store in Cortland. Barbara was an active member of the St. Catherine's church and the Bridge Club of Ithaca, where she was a board member for many years. Barbara is survived by Paula Lukas of Durham, NC; Joseph (Janice) of Davenport, FL, Michael (Lois) of Lithia, FL; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Besides her parents, Barbara was predeceased by Vincent, her husband of 69 years, daughter Karen Lukas Hagar, and her brother Stanley. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church on Wednesday, May 2nd. Friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the 11:00 funeral mass, which will be officiated by the Rev. Joseph Marcoux. Burial will be private at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, next to her decreased husband. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Church, 302 St. Catherine Circle, Ithaca, NY. Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.