Carolyn Ruth (Poel) Lucasse passed away on September 3, 2025. Carolyn was born in Muskegon, Michigan to Abel and Fanny (VanderWall) Poel in 1929. She married Philip Lucasse in June 1953, and they forged a partnership lasting over 60 years. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband and parents; by Phil's parents, Clarence and Gertrude Lucasse; by her brothers, Russel Poel and Robert Poel; by brother-in-law Robert Stakenas; and her niece Linda Busta (Stakenas). Carolyn attended Muskegon Christian School through 10th grade and graduated from Muskegon High School. She attended Calvin College, where she worked for room and board, played basketball, and studied elementary education. Pastor Weidinar's daughter, a fellow freshman, introduced Carolyn to her father's church–Fuller Ave Church–which became her dear lifelong faith family. Another faith family that was important to Carolyn was the Ann Arbor CRC, of which Carolyn and Phil were charter members. Carolyn built connections among friends and family that crossed generations. She collected genealogy information and shared stories about her and Phil's families with the next generation. She had a gift for hospitality and hosted many gatherings. She cooked for church picnics, congregational suppers, volunteer appreciation luncheons, and a few wedding receptions.

Carolyn and Phil met "on the shores of Little Bostwick" and days after their wedding, began their tenure as Camp Directors. Camp Roger - a place and a community - was always close to their hearts. This summer, Carolyn was thrilled to hear her first great granddaughter share stories from her time at Camp – crafting with gimp, swimming, canoeing, hiking, playing capture the flag, singing, and doing KP duty. All such familiar camp stories.

Carolyn loved children, and her face would light up when her great grandkids came to visit. She played peek-a-boo and patty cake with each of them as babies and read them stories as they grew older. After graduating from Calvin, Carolyn taught at Seymore Christian School in Grand Rapids. After her marriage, she taught for two years in the Willow Run school system while Phil was in graduate school at Ann Arbor. Later, Carolyn taught at the Ann Arbor church pre-school, which eventually grew to become Ann Arbor Christian School.

As their family spread across the globe, Carolyn and Phil explored new places. They spent a month in Vietnam with one daughter and made many trips to Hawaii and Minnesota to be with their other daughters and their families. It was not unheard of for Carolyn to reorganize drawers, clean ovens, and take on many of the household tasks when she visited. She was a skilled "Home Engineer," dealing with any kitchen, cooking, cleaning, sewing, mending or laundry issue that arose; she was the go-to source for her family's questions.

When Carolyn was no longer able to attend Sunday services, she looked forward to waves from friends following online services, Christmas communion, and Coffees at Raybrook. She enjoyed celebrating Fuller's 100th anniversary this past summer and was encouraged by visits with family and friends from Fuller and Raybrook, especially at her 96th birthday celebration in July.

Carolyn's life and legacy is celebrated by her dear friends and family: three daughters, Anne Lucasse (Mark Wiersma), Mary Lucasse (David Baker) and Susan Lucasse; four grandchildren: Caitlin (Max) Brauer, Tim (Kristin) Shannon, Joe Baker, and Alex Baker; five great grandchildren: Anna, William, Hazel, Sam and Lena;  brother Dale (Carolyn) Poel; sisters-in-law: Mary Jo Poel, Carol Poel, Margaret Stakenas and Alice (Loren) Heun; brother-in-law John Lucasse; and nieces and nephews: Kathy (Randy) Engle, James (Christine) Poel, Sharon (Scott) Thompson, Barb Poel, Rick (Jill) Poel, Pat (Steve) Dirkse, Cynthia (John) Ferguson, Sandra (Keith) Messenger, Carol Stakenas (Jules Rochielle Sievert), Matt Kuperus-Heun (Tracey), and Jon (Brenda) Heun.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 3:00pm at the Raybrook Manor Chapel with visitation at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Fuller Avenue Church Food Pantry at  https://www.fullercrc.org/give  or   Camp Roger  at  https://camproger.org/give .