"Lucie was a great friend. I met Lucie and John through Welcome Wagon’s bridge group. I played lots of bridge with Lucie in several different groups. Jim and I also played in a couple’s group with Lucie and John. Lucie was a great, compasionate person who I had the honor of being friends with since 1980, when we both arrived in Phoenix."
In loving memory of
Lucille Elaine Protz
Protz, Lucille Elaine 66, of Phoenix passed away on January 10, 2010. Lucie was born on June 25, 1943 in Buffalo, New York to Bernard and Irene Stell. She graduated from the University of Buffalo with a degree in Chemistry and worked for Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan and Freeport, Texas. Lucie moved to Phoenix in 1980. She was a Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League. She is preceded in death by her husband John E. Protz (1989). She is survived by her sister Phyllis Wason, niece Marcie Wason, cousins; Deb Konieczny and Pam Sodja both of New York and her best friend Bailey (her devoted golden retriever). Lucie will be remembered as an exceptional older sister to Phyl and for her determination, humor and loyalty to friends. Lucie will be missed by all who knew her. Services will be private. Memorial contributions in Lucie’s name may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind 1039 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307-3115. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com to sign the guestbook or write condolences for the family.
Tributes
"We met Lucie on a National Geographic tour of China. Although she had some physical limitation, she certainly had no mental ones. She was happy and engaged and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting and traveling with her. Please accept our condolences."
"I was privileged to get to know Lucie on a National Geographic trip to China. She was a delight, and perservered in all the activities, notwithstanding some difficulties, with a smile and great warmth. I take comfort now that she’s not suffering any more, just as I took inspiration from her example of how to live life to the fullest. My sincerest condolences to the family. She will be missed."
"Although I never met Lucie, I know that she was a wonderful person and very dear to her sister Phyl, who is a friend of mine. I know that she appreciated the loving support from Phyl during her long illness, and that she will be greatly missed."
"Phyl, Lucie was a wonderful friend and I will think of her often. Linda E"
"We have been lucky enough to have known and cared for Lucie for almost a decade. During that time, her spirit, humor and zest for life (even when she battled for it) were an inspiration to us all. On every visit, Lucie came in with a great smile, hugs for some of us, and a positive attitude. Sometimes she even came by when she did not have an appointment, to say "hi". That is such a testament to her loving ways of keeping in touch with those in her life. Thus our gratitude that she entrusted us with some of her care. A bright light has gone out now that Lucie has left us too early. However, we know that she is smiling down on us, pain free and still enjoying the show! We will miss you Lucie! Laura, Martha, Sherrie, Bonnie, Mary, Lindsay and Doc Roc."
"I am so sorry to hear of Lucie’s untimely death. She will be missed. Tom also sends regards, he knew and respected her."
"Lucie was an inspiration to me, to keep going in spite of the challenges. I was always amazed at her fortitude. Memories of our younger years spent in Buffalo & Batavia, NY will always be something I cherish."
"Lucy was a fascinating woman and the staff at Scottsdale Healthcare 3C loved her dearly. Her intelligence, courage and preserverance inspired us!"
"Lucie was a dear and devoted friend who helped me through many personal difficulties, taught me to be a better bridge player, and was a fellow traveller to many local places as well as a roommate on a China expedition. She was a special and unique individual, very loyal to her friends, who stayed positive throughout all her health issues. I will miss her dearly."
"Best of friends from the moment we met. Friends in Canada, NY, Mi, Wi, Tx & Az. Picked the box with the larger ring, so she became my husband’s best man. We’ll never forget you."
"Lucie was great friend and simply the best next door neighbor anyone could ever ask for. She was extremely tolerant to having my kids growing up next door and they really loved her, too. To me she will always be the "
"Lucie was a wonderful friend and great bridge partner. She will be missed by all of us. Lucie loved life, wanted to live and had many plans for the future May she rest in peace after her long and corageous fight with cancer."
"Sending our heartfelt condolences to all who survive Lucie. I only met her once, but she made such an impression on me -- a fun-loving, upbeat personality that just filled the room."
"Peace is finally yours, you will be missed."
"Lucie was a wonderful person with a great outlook on life. We had many amazing adventures together. I will never forget her."
"I only got the pleasure of meeting Lucie a couple times as I am her sister’s next door neighbor but Lucie, I know you fought the cancer battle for so long. My husband and I will watch over your sister and I will continue to throw a treat or two over the fence to Baily. You can now rest in peace with no more suffering. Phyl, you were a wonderful sister and our thoughts and prayers go out to you. God Bless, Julie and Mike Glenn"
"I knew Lucie and John when I lived in Phoenix. We played golf and bridge. I am saddened to know that she has passed. Condolences to her family."