Surrounded by family, our Mom and Wife, Gerri, died on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 in Victoria, BC from brain cancer. Gerri was outgoing, adventurous and independent with a fun-loving, giant heart.  She will be remembered for bringing joy into many lives.  Born in San Jose, California in 1943 to Portuguese-Hawaiians Mary and Louis B. Lucas.  Always a “California Girl”, her childhood and youth were spent in fruit orchards and at the beach in Santa Cruz.  Many in Victoria know Gerri through her 32-year nursing career, during which she worked at Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospitals.

Gerri leaves her husband of 52 years, Djalil; daughters Rachelle and Shirene; son Karim; sons-in-law Trevor and Jason; daughter-in-law Thuy; brother Lou; 10 grandchildren; nieces and nephews and many, many friends.

Gerri was especially proud to have a big family.  She was passionate about being a devoted, hands-on Gramma to Nicholas, Kieran, Simon, Lily, Henry, Malik, Aliya, Zahra, William and Kayvon.  She was with them from the early baby days and could be counted on to regularly visit, call, Skype, text, and email regardless of how far away they lived. She was a loving sister to Lou and also remained a very involved Aunt Gerri to Robert, David, Diane and Kathy and became “Gramma Gerri” to the children in her circle of friends.

Gerri was extremely social; she could talk to anyone and was great at building community, starting conversations with strangers everywhere.  A family vacation to Maui was an opportunity for Gerri to go through the phone book and call anyone who may have been related, then taking us to knock on their doors.  She had a spectacular ability to stay connected and worked hard to remain close to friends for 68+ years. Without a doubt, over the last 8 months, her friends kept her going during her illness and were a great support to her family.

Gerri’s adventures took her to more than 20 countries; teaching English and nursing in Iran, swimming with pink dolphins (and piranhas) in Brazil, holding koalas in Australia and bathing an elephant in Myanmar.

Gerri’s fight was inspiring and her cancer diagnosis did not stop her from taking all of her grandchildren and children to see a play one week after getting out of the hospital or hosting a Spoken Word party at her house and a ukulele jam session in her palliative care room.  She also took great pleasure in a good golf game, animals, her ukulele and her garden.

Special thanks to Gerri’s caregiver, Nancy, to Dr. JP McGhie and his team at the Jubilee BC Cancer Clinic, to the incredibly dedicated medical team at Saanich Peninsula Hospital Palliative Care, and the many medical professionals who cared for Gerri.

In lieu of flowers, Gerri wants you to talk to your neighbours and have fun in your community.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

 

  • Mary Phelps

    I met Gerri and newborn Shireen on an airplane from Belgian in 1972. This meeting led to 46 years of friendship that has meant so much to me. We visited in Victoria every time we came to Vancouver and Djalil and Gerri visited us in Texas. I will miss all our phone calls, letters and emails that we shared through the years. Gerri was a great friend and I will remember all the wonderful memories of 46 years.
    Rahim and I send our condolences to Djalil and the family.

  • Marcy Gailiunas

    I am so sad to lose a dear friend. Gerri and Rachel came into my life when I moved to Vancouver in 2003.

    My daughter in law, Louise, had been a roommate with Rachel in university and their friendship was so close .

    I was introduced to Gerry when in Victoria I was invited to stay at her home and from them on, whenever she

    came to Vancouver to see Shirene, we tried to get together. We; were on the same wave length, shopping,

    talking about Diets, and sharing our lives as Grandmother and women.

    Louise and I went to see Gerri, around Christmas time and she was so accepting of her diagnosis . I admired

    her will to enjoy every day. All of us who knew her will ever forget her and keep her in our hearts.

    I

  • Diane McWilliams

    Gerri was an extraordinary person that was part of my life from the time I was 2 and she was 4. We lived next door and had a well used gate in the back fence. We moved when I finished High School but we stayed in touch over the years, largely due to Gerri’s commitment to doing so. We called each other on our birthdays regardless of whether we’d talked during the previous year. Sept. 26th will be a sad day for me without her call as will Dec. 14th when I would have called her. We visited them once in Victoria and they visited us in Calif. and again in TX. I think I only met her children when they were very young (and I have a good story about Shirene at about age 2) but the girls have been wonderful about keeping me updated on Gerri’s health and challenges and then the saddest news. She will be missed by many, many people. I feel very blessed to have called her friend for more than 70 years. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends.

  • Gregory Foskett

    Gerri was a gift in our lives. She was Shirene’s mom, but she quickly became our friend. Mandy has known her for over 30 years, starting off as Mrs Salamatian, then Gerri, then when our son came along, Gramma Gerri. Gerri could always be counted on for a good belly laugh, some deep conversation, a little gossip, and some words of wisdom. She was, and is, our favourite mom out of all of our friends’ parents. Gerri left us too soon, but she left us with full hearts and left the world a better place. During her battle with cancer, we asked Gerri if she had any words of advice for us…she told us, “If there is something that you want to do…do it!” Good advice for us all. With love, Greg, Mandy and Griffin

  • Dawn Groves

    I didnt know Gerri but I’ve worked with Rachelle for many years. Reading about Gerri’s activities, zest, and family love helps me appreciate where Rachelle gets her smart optimism and goodness of heart. Love to the you all in this time of transition. A grand soul has left us.
    Respectfully, Dawn in Bellingham, WA

  • Gayle

    Gayle B

    Many hearts are broken on learning of Gerri’s passing! Much love to all the family. Gerri was a wonderful and loving human being. Always a smile!
    You have many wonderful memories. Our sincere sympathy. …. much love

  • Janet Massaro

    My deepest condolences to the Salamatian & Lucas families on the loss of this vibrant, world-curious woman loaded with energy and a passion for life. What a legend to carry in your hearts.
    Wishing you all peace and strength.
    Janet Massaro

  • Pearl Chow

    Dear Shirene and to all of Geri’s family:

    You are the testament of your mother’s tenacity and ability to being people together. My prayers are with you in your loss. I hope you can find refuge in each other knowing she would want to live bravely and receive love from others the way she gave it so freely.

  • Jessica

    Gerri was never my sister in law’s Mom she was Gerri, our Gerri too. We were lucky to have her as the package that came along with Shirene. A great family that we all care about.

    Gerri was so easy to talk to and caring and took the time to get to know us all. Her great laugh and chatty personality will certainly be missed. I hope snowflake and her are enjoying some nice walks and cuddles together. Truly Forever in our hearts. Love, Jessica & David

  • John L

    Goodbye to a wonderful caring lady who helped many people in their time of need
    R I P. Gerri

  • Alison

    Dear Rachelle and family,

    So sad to hear of Gerri’s passing. Although I never met her, I feel I know her from the stories you told me of her amazingly full life. I hope all those wonderful memories that you have of her will sustain you and comfort you. With sincere sympathy and condolences, Alison, John and Rebecca

Leave Condolence

Type your condolence message into the box below and click "Submit". It may take up to 24 hours for it to appear. Your email address will not be published.

*

Search Website

ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR