Lucy Vasile Vokac, of Portage passed away on October 19, 2026, at the age of 80. She was born on April 28, 1946, in Queens, NY. She was the daughter of Salvatore and Lucy (Russo) Vasile.

Lucy grew up in the Jackson Heights area of New York and attended the Garden School. After high school, she attended Manhattanville College and the Art School at Pratt Institute before transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a B.S. in Bio-Medical Illustration and an M.S. in Advertising, a reflection of her artistic gifts.

Lucy worked in the illustration field for many years using her degrees to create medical, botanical, and zoological illustrations for medical textbooks and scientific journals. She worked as an illustrator in a diverse variety of fields, such as the College of Veterinary Medicine at U of I and General Dynamics Corporation, after which she continued as a freelance illustrator. Lucy went on to work for more than 30 years as an interior decorator, a career well suited to her creativity and eye for beauty. She had impressive artistic versatility that manifested in many aspects of her life. Her sense of artistry shaped not only her professional life but also the way she cared for the world around her. She loved working in her garden, creating beauty in nature with the same thoughtful touch that defined so much of her life.

Lucy was married to her husband Tom for 49 years. They had one daughter, Elizabeth, who was born in Connecticut and raised in Naperville, IL, where they stayed for 35 years. During this time, Lucy ran her own interior decorating business and later partnered with Tom in the operation of a fireplace retail store. As a natural caregiver, Lucy was a dedicated, loving mother and wife. Over the years, Lucy and Tom enjoyed engaging with friends during countless gatherings in their vibrant neighborhood community. Lucy shared a spirit of adventure with her husband. They spent many summer vacations with friends on the beaches of the Carolinas. Together they loved to travel to exotic locations known for their rich culture, beautiful coral reefs, and extraordinary scuba diving experiences. Those travels reflected a shared joy in discovery and in experiencing the beauty of the natural world together.

During her most recent chapter in life, Lucy was accompanied by her partner Dave Seiter. From Portage, Michigan, Lucy continued her travel adventures with Dave as they cruised international waters, visiting some of the most breathtaking destinations the world has to offer. She spent her time at home playing with her grandchildren and her giant Bernedoodle, Kobi, socializing with friends, and serving her love of nature through bountiful gardening.

To those who knew her best, Lucy was nurturing, sweet, and very social. She had a warm presence that drew people in and made them feel welcome. She had a special love for animals and cared for them as part of the family. She was also an excellent cook who took great joy in her Italian heritage. Her red sauce, made with home-grown garden tomatoes, was especially beloved, as were the many Italian dishes and classic baked treats she prepared.

Lucy Vasile Vokac will be remembered for her creativity, her warmth, her love of family traditions, and the beauty she brought into everyday life. Her memory will remain a lasting comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Lucy is preceded in death by her parents, Salvatore and Lucy (Russo) Vasile, and her husband, Tom Vokac, in 2019.

She is survived by her daughter: Liz Vokac Main (and husband, Justin Main), of Portage; two grandchildren: Julian and Desmond Main, both of Portage; one brother: Russell Vasile, of MA; and nieces and nephews.

Lucy's ashes will be contributed to a coral reef restoration initiative. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, November 21, at The Carver House at Stryker Nature Preserve, located at 2343 Angling Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Formal readings followed by an open floor for sharing will take place at 2pm. Light refreshments will be served, followed by a private dinner at 5pm for close family and friends. Share Lucy's love of nature by wearing earth colors or fall colors if you wish.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coral Reef Alliance in memory of Lucy Vasile Vokac. Coral Reef Alliance

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com, please take time to sign Lucy’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. There will also be a physical book to sign at the Carver House.

The Vokac family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.