"todd, jayson, deena"
In loving memory of
Gwen Marilyn Lukov
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Gwen Marilyn Bendele Morehouse LUKOV Kickoff: March 4, 1940 Final Whistle: February 7, 2008 Sidelined just after the half by early-onset dementia, Gwennie has left the pitch. Still on the field are her husband, Bill Lukov, daughter Jeanne Leslie Benson, son Todd Deena Morehouse, granddaughter Gerry Benson and grandson Jayson Morehouse, sisters Gay Bendele Blackwood and Bette Bendele, their families, and a much-loved team of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gwen was the eldest daughter of the late Henry and Jessie Bendele. She graduated from Ballard High School in 1957, pledged Kappa Delta and attended both Washington State University and the University of Washington. Wife, mother, sister, best friend, s.a.; we will toast her memory with wine and chocolate on Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. - 4 p.m., at the Northshore Senior Center Health & Wellness Center, 10212 E. Riverside Drive, Bothell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gwen's name to: The Alzheimer's Association of Western and Central Washington ATTN: Development Dept. Alzheimer's Association 12721 30th Avenue NE, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98125 Or, to support the arts, music and sports programs in public schools.
Tributes
"Hi Mom, It's been the longest week of my life. I miss you so much. 2 years without hearing your voice was the most hurtful thing I can ever imagine. I'm sad that your gone but you are in a better place now. I don't think you ever knew how much I love you. I thank you for being patient with me and always looking out for me. I would have done anything in the world for you and sometimes feel like I did'nt. You are in my heart and my mind every second of every day. I love you mom. RIP Love,Todd"
"Gwennie was a wonderful sister. She loved honesty and justice. She was kind and creative. She loved her husband and her children above all else. We will miss her each day and count it a blessing to have had her in our lives tho not long enough. Fly Gwennie Fly! I love you!"
"Gwennie was a wonderful sister. She loved honesty and justice. She was kind and creative. She loved her husband and her children above all else. We will miss her each day and count it a blessing to have had her in our lives tho not long enough. Fly Gwennie Fly! I love you!"
"I know, I was cute when I was littleā?¦ The past week has been filled with unexpected memories. You curled up with a book, that crazy VW Rabbit, the sound of your electric typewriter, Halloween nights and the original premier of Jane Fonda, a laugh that was distinctly yours. It was strange at first that all of the memories were childlike, but maybe that is how you always remember your auntie. Many people do not know this, but you gave the world one of the classic life lessons. When stopping to smell the flowers, make sure you donā??t bend over in front of a goat! You know I cannot pass up the opportunity to make a soccer comment. Seeing you out on the pitch, everyone yelling run Gwennie run, then becoming slightly embarrassed when we realized you already were just kidding! Jeannie and I were talking and decided that in heaven everyone got to be six feet tallā?¦ I figure that way you can look over the gate and keep an eye on us. I was lucky. Being the nephew makes for an easy relationship. Unconditional love and nothing left unsaid ā?¦ in short sorry about that I got to experience the best of you. I hurt for my cousins this week. They are struggling with a lifetime of memories both difficult and cherished. Words said and unsaid. My only offering to them is a conversation you and I had years ago. Joking about us kids the way we always did, you changed your tone and said that we really did turn out all right. You were proud of who your kids became and rightfully so. They have created independent lives and you didnā??t want it any other way. There are a select few of us that had the privilege of being raised by four Bendele women. I miss two of those women very much. Love, Chad"
"My aunt Gwen. Some of the best memories I have when I was younger was spending the weekends at your house. You letting Todd and I stay up late to watch Saturday night live then crash out on the living room floor. I alway's looked forward to seeing you at my soccer games even if you showed up with two different shoes on. I hope you knew how much you meant to me. I will love you and miss you forever. Your little "S.A." Cristian"
"Ah, Mama...I miss you so much..."
"Gwen was such a wonderful giving person. She was always happy and made folks feel good about themselves. One of my customers knew her and said she was a "kick" to be around. She is at peace now and whole again running the bases forever!!"
"Sweet sister: What fun we have had, so many stories and memories. You were right, we are so lucky to be the three Bendele girls and love eachother so much. Hanging out, picnics, traveling, Snohomish, Colville, those were memory making adventures! You are always in my heart. I love you. Until I see you in heaven . Your baby sister, Love and hugs Bette"
"Dear Aunt Gwen, Wow I have so many memories with you, but I must say my favorite one is when you, me, my mom and grandma Bette went strawberry picking. I remember you were all the way over on the other lines picking all the green berries.= Then after that we would go back to Grandma Bette's and make jam. I miss you so much and I love you!!!! Love, Katy"
"Dear Gwennie, Many years ago 4 Bendele women made quite an impact on 2 Murphy women. We all became close friends over the course of time. That friendship endures to this day even though 3 of those friends have gone home to a better life. You will be missed just as those other 2 have been missed. But the memories continue to lift up the other 3 who are left. Keep an eye on us & don't have too much fun with the other 2 until we can join you."
"I consider myself to have been so very lucky to find Gwen. Finding someone who can be spouse, best friend and lover is rare. It makes me so sad that she is gone, but she will always be a part of me. I would like to thank all those people who helped us through this difficult ordeal. Excuse me but my eyes are leaking, so I will sign off. Bill"
"Hi Mom, Tomorrow's your big day.I miss you more every day. i am so glad that you had someone as great as Bill to be your mate. he is one of the strongest men I have ever known and we are so lucky that he is such a huge part of our family. I respect him more and more knowing that you were so loved and cared for and that his only thought was to make sure you were cared for in the best way possible. We'll talk to you soon and thank you Bill for being an amazing person and a wonderful stepdad to Jeanne and I and Grandpa to Jayson and Gerry. I Love You Mom & Bill Todd"
"Gwen, I didn't know you well, but I know you loved soccer and My Cousin. I know Bill loved you deeply and in my book that makes you ok. Have fun with my aunt Jane and uncle Bob. It's going to be some years, but look forward to seeing all of you again. love debbie"