Helen Lucas

Helen Lucas (nee Gallahue), 82 years old, died after a brief illness at her home on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. Born in New York City to William and Nora Gallahue, who immigrated from Ireland, she grew up in New York City and then moved to Rutherford, N.J., before settling in Ogdensburg, N.J., 42 years ago.

Mrs. Lucas graduated from Father Youngs Memorial Academy High School and then earned her BA in Business from Hunters College and her MA in History from Columbia University, all in New York City. She worked for some time in the Bloomingdale’s Executive Training Division in New York City, and then became a History Teacher at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, N.J., in September of 1984, retiring in June of 2003. She served as the faculty representative to the archdiocese while at Pope John for many years. Mrs. Lucas was recognized as the DAR Teacher of Year during her career. She was a parishioner of St. Thomas of Aquin RC Church, Ogdensburg, N.J., and served as a councilwoman in Ogdensburg from 1976-79 and then was elected mayor from 1979 to 1983, garnering the honor of being the first female mayor in Sussex County. She also served on the Ogdensburg Planning and Zoning Boards. She was the founder of the Ogdensburg Senior Citizens group. Mrs. Lucas volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels and she was an avid fan of the New York Football Giants.

Mrs. Lucas is predeceased by her brother, Fr. John Gallahue (Sept. 2, 2004) and was the beloved wife for 48 years of Michael Lucas of Ogdensburg, N.J., devoted mother of Laura Sanderson and her husband, Steven, of Succasunna, N.J., and Joseph Lucas and his wife, Marci, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Loving grandmother of Ryan, Brendan, John and Daniel. Dear sister of Patricia Cozzi of Oceanside, N.Y., and William Gallahue of Denmark. Cherished by several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive their friends at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, 1 Main St., Franklin, N.J., on Friday, April 25, 2014, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 9:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas of Aquin RC Church, Ogdensburg, NJ at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, Ogdensburg, N.J. Memorial gifts to Pope John XXIII Regional High School Angel Fund, 28 Andover Road, Sparta, NJ 07871 or St. Thomas of Aquin RC Church, 53 Kennedy Avenue, Ogdensburg, NJ 07439 would be appreciated. Information and condolences can be found at www.fjohnramseyfuneralhome.com.