Obituary of Carol R. Lukovich

Carol Rose Fisher Lukovich, 88, of Vestal NY, passed away at Mercy House, with her daughter Michele by her side, on Monday January 8th, 2024. Carol was born in Highland Park Michigan, on December 30th, 1935 to the late Katherine Shwartz, and Louis Stockinger. She is survived by her daughter Michele; her son Ronald and wife, Ann Marie; son Mark; her grandchildren, Gabrielle, husband Ethan Mead, Alexis, Eric, and great grandchild Miles Mead, sister, Shirley; her brothers; William and wife Barbara, Dutch and wife Mack, Dale and wife Jane. Carol earned her degree in Nursing from The University of the State of New York. She worked at Ideal Senior Living Center and Lourdes Memorial Hospital where she ultimately retired. Carol loved her work, and took satisfaction in helping those in need. While employed with Ideal Senior Living Center, she also became a certified swim instructor and took great pleasure in teaching youngsters at the Endicott Boys and Girls club. This, at one point became an issue when a woman brought her injured son into the hospital. Carol was the nurse on duty and when she started assisting, the woman was horrified, crying out "what are you doing, you're his swim instructor"! Carol was an avid potter, and pine needle basket weaver. She incorporated the two together to create one-of-a-kind pieces, that sold both inside and outside the United States. She eventually developed a business on ETSY, that she referred to as her 'side hustle,' which kept her very busy. Carol also enjoyed travel, painting, playing the piano, reading and any other creative outlet that piqued her interest. Carol loved life, family, and was very active in the Vestal Senior Center where she engaged in the many activities and trips they offer, making friends along the way. Carol's family would like to thank family and friends for their unwavering love and support throughout her illness; as well as Lourdes Hospice and Mercy House, who we encourage you to donate to. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church; 210 Hill Ave. Endicott NY on Saturday, January 20th, at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to come share their stories and garner comfort from Pastor Joyce Allen of The Ogden-Hillcrest United Methodist Church, who has been a friend of the family from a very young age.