Lana Lukenda

With her beloved husband Brian by her side, MRS. LANA LUKENDA of Lethbridge ended her courageous battle with cancer in the early morning hours of Saturday, October 15, 2011. She passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 48 years.

Born December 31, 1962 in Cranbrook, BC, Lana was the daughter of Whit and Laverne Atchison. Her early years were spent in Lethbridge where she attended school. She and Brian were married June 25, 1988 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Lethbridge. To this union were born three boys; Justin, 21; Jordie, 19; and Brandyn, 16.

While Lana worked in various places, the job she enjoyed the most was at St. Paul's Catholic School where, for the past 10 years she was a Special Needs Educational Assistant. In that position, she thoroughly enjoyed working with the kids and gained the respect and admiration of both the children and the staff, who joined together in prayers for Lana while she was in the hospital and have given loving support to her family.

Lana's biggest joy, however, was being a loving mother to her children. She was a perfect role model and was always there for them and her husband.

Lana was an avid outdoors person, who loved snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, quading, and competing in the dragon boat races in Lethbridge. She had a great zest for life and lived it to the fullest. During the summer she loved to visit her mother and her husband John in Whitefish and her Dad and his wife Carol in Cranbrook. She was an accomplished cook, who loved to garden, and her dishes were the centre of many memorable occasions over the years. Another joy in her life was her dog, Meiko, who was always by her side.

She will be remembered most for her generous spirit and hardworking attitude. She was never one to sit still and she was always busy doing things for others. She left us all too early, but in her life she touched us deeply with her bright smile, big blue eyes, sense of humor and dedication to her family and friends. She never complained while in the hospital. She was always thinking of others, even in her final days when she told her family to ""be strong"". Lana will be sadly missed, but memories of her will be cherished forever by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents and children, Lana is survived by her brothers Randy (Gwen) Atchison of Calgary, Rob Atchison of Calgary, Rick (Kim) Atchison of Sylvan Lake; uncles Bernie (Heather) Schmid of Warner, Wayne (Leona) Schmid of Spruce Grove and Steph Atchison (Geri) of Cranbrook; mother-in-law Madeline Lukenda of Lethbridge and numerous cousins.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 21, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at ST. BASIL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13th Street North, Lethbridge, with Father Tim Boyle, celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lana's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 9Z9.