Theresa “Dolly” May (Arial) Lucas 

Theresa Lucas passed away on June 11, 2024, at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by her children, after a brief illness.

Born on July 3, 1929, to William W. and Hosanna A. (Girard) Arial on Avenue A in Turners Falls, MA and was nicknamed ‘Dolly’ because her mother said she was so tiny she could fit in a shoebox like a doll.

She spent her early years in an apartment over what was the Equi’s Candy Store. She was educated in the Montague School system.  She had fond memories of summers at Lake Wyola.

She met her future husband John M. Lucas at the Montague City Rod Shop.  On November 15, 1947, they were married in St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Dolly and John built their home on Turnpike Rd. before any other development came along, and there, they raised their 7 children. She raised vegetables every year and she enjoyed canning. Her joy was her flower gardens.  Her passion for growing flowers resulted in an overabundance, and the need to sell them on a roadside stand.  She and John loved their weekends at “The Camp”’ on Lake Champlain in Vermont.

She was a den mother for the boy scouts for her oldest sons. She loved candlepin bowling and was in several leagues.  She had been employed by Millers Falls Tool Company, Ingersol Rand, and Esleeck Paper.

Dolly will most be remembered for the care of her home and the love of her family.  Her thoughts were always directed towards her children, grandchildren and those close to her. 

Her unselfish love has touched the lives of so many people.

Predeceased by her husband John, her brothers William and Willard, three grandsons Matthew Towne, Nathan Lucas and Timothy Waryas.

Dolly leaves behind 7 children, John and wife Ruth, of Cadyville, NY, Phillip and wife Emma of Turners Falls, Marilyn Towne and husband John, of Waterville, ME, Paul (her caregiver in her later years), at home in Turners Falls, Dorothy Bartus and husband Jim of Turners Falls, Joseph and wife Kathleen of Turners Falls, Chris and wife Ines of Greensboro, NC.  In addition, she leaves 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Her faithful and constant companion J (a Springer Spaniel) provided needed love and attention during the last four years of her life.

She was a special person to all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Donations in her honor can be made to Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376

Interment will be at the discretion of the family as she will be laid to rest alongside John.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com