Lorraine A. Lukas

Lorraine (Porcaro) Lukas peacefully passed away Thursday, December 4th, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Racine, WI. to Mary (Falaschi) Porcaro and John Porcaro, both of whom preceded her in death, she carried forward their legacy of strength, generosity, and unwavering love of and devotion to family.

Lorraine was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend whose gentle spirit and caring heart touched everyone who knew her. She was a loving sister to Edward Porcaro (Patricia), and the proud mother of four children: James Lukas (Paula), John Lukas, Mary (Lukas) Yauck (Thomas), and Joanne (Lukas) Szymaszek (Steve). Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She looked forward to her weekly phone calls from her brother. His stories always made her laugh. She would tell us about them when they were done talking – and continue laughing about it.

She was a “mom” to many of our friends as our house in Greendale was always filled with a bunch of kids – day and night. Most of our friends new her simply as “Mom.”

Lorraine’s legacy continues through her grandchildren, each of whom brought tremendous joy to her life: Jeremiah Lukas (Alyce); Joseph and Nicholas Szymaszek; Kyle Yauck, Melissa (Yauck) Bechler (Brad) and Michael Yauck; great grandchildren; Maya Bechler and Jackson Thomas (JT) Bechler. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and loved them unconditionally. When babysitting them, she felt a balanced meal was macaroni and cheese and a big bowl of ice cream! I guess that’s what Nana’s are for.

Lorraine grew up in Racine, Wisconsin amongst a strong Italian community surrounded by her extended Porcaro and Falaschi family. She attended St. Catherine’s High School. Family was the cornerstone of her life. Large family dinners and time spent with loved ones sitting on a porch visiting were her fondest memories. This strong family bond included her aunts, uncles, cousins, niece and nephew, who maintained a strong family presence throughout her life. Mom’s strongest friendships were forged during this time. Many of her friends were friends she had for 60+ years. Though many have passed, these are still her most cherished relationships.

Mom dedicated much of her adult life to caring for her aging father, John and mother, Mary Porcaro, until their passing. She always felt it was her greatest honor. We take comfort in knowing she’s with them now.

For many years, Mom worked selling wigs to cancer patients; first with Boston Store in Greendale and then with JC Penny’s. She amassed a tremendous clientele as word got around about her care and compassion for people during some of their darkest times. When she finally retired, she received an influx of well wishes beyond what she would have imagined. At her core, she was someone who cared, loved, laughed and touched all who met her.

As her health began to decline, she found a new and loving community at St. Camillus. She entered the St. Camillus family through Independent Living, moving on after several years to Assisted Living. Lorraine loved the people there. She made a lot of friends through other residents but also through the kind staff. She was proud of her beautiful apartment and enjoyed having people visit. She was very social at St. Camillus, participating in activities such as bingo, happy hour and special events. She had a special bond with many of the Sisters who cared for her, prayed with her and spent time talking and laughing with her. We are eternally grateful for the staff at St. Camillus for the amazing love and support. God brought them into her life.

Most of all, Mom deeply loved her children and grandchildren. She lived to spend another day in our presence, and we are deeply grateful for having experienced her love. We all had a special and individually unique relationship with her, collectively, we made a great team. She had a GREAT laugh, and we tried to make her laugh as much as possible. John was the best at this! We are beyond heartbroken that we won’t have her here with us in a physical sense but take comfort in knowing that she is always with us.

Mom will be remembered for her kindness, laughter, quiet strength, and the deep love she had for her family. Those who were fortunate enough to know her will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

We find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her parents and held in God’s peace. - Jim, John, Mary & Joanne

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, December 18, 202 1:30 pm at St. Camillus Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, 10201 W. Wisconsin Ave, Wauwatosa, WI, 53226, WI. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the Mass 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. Private entombment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32.

Memorials to St. Camillus Foundation, Inc.10200 W. Bluemound Road Wauwatosa, WI 53226 https://www.stcam.com/order-of-st-camillus-foundation or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (now Blood Cancer United) https://www.bloodcancerunited.org have been suggested.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved , so missed, so very dear. - Love Mom