Josephine ‘Jo’ Marian Lukenbill passed away peacefully, with her son Larry by her side, at the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital on January 19, 2017. She was born in Udine, Italy on July 23, 1922.
Jo travelled from Italy to Trail at the age of five with her mother and godmother. She worked at the Strand Theater as an usherette, where she met the love of her life Benton ‘Slim’ Lukenbill. They were married in 1944 in Trail, BC. Mom was an avid gardener who always kept her yard in immaculate shape. She relished in baking and cooking to share with family and many friends. She excelled in knitting, crocheting, embroidery and other needle work which she learned as a young child. You would be hard pressed to find a beat that she did not want to tap her feet and clap her hands to and sometimes she even did a bit of a little jig. Above all, Jo loved her family and friends immensely.
She is survived by her daughter Lorean, sons, Larry and Don (Deb), grandchildren; Dawn Marie (Keith), Chantelle Marie (Perry) and Kevin, great-grandchildren; Zakai, Leif and Adelaide Marie, grand-puppies, Sadie and Karley, her brother Ferro (Louise), life-long friends; Toby, Annette, Katrina and Martin Egeland, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Lastly, of course her ‘boyfriend’ Justin Bieber whom she adored and had many of his souvenir items.
Jo was predeceased by her husband of 46 years Benton ‘Slim’, her son-in-law Leo, and grandson Nathan.
Cremation has taken place. At Jo’s request there will be no service. Alexandra Butts of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, you may make a donation in Jo’s name to the Poplar Ridge Pavilion recreational unit, the BC Lung Association (www.bc.lung.ca), the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia (www.alzheimer.ca/bc), or to a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Interior Health’s home care team, and all the doctors and staff at Poplar Ridge Pavilion. Her life changed amazingly after living at Poplar. She became more outgoing and joining in on the various activities there. She especially looked forward to The Wanderers, sing along and bell ringing with Karen, Kathleen’s guitar playing and songs. The iPod music program implemented by Margot was icing on the cake. That was her most enjoyed activity in her last several months.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence by visiting the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca.