On January 14, 2024, at the age of 102, Father Lucey passed away in a calm and serene manner at the St. Joseph’s Special Care Home in Estevan, that is located in Saskatchewan. On May 15th, 1921, Father Lucey was born in Glenflesk, which is located in Ireland. Cornelius Lucey was one of eight children in the Lucey family, which was an agricultural family.
Four members of his family pursued a life of religious devotion. When he was 25 years old, he made the journey to Canada. In this place, he pursued his love and eventually became a priest. The 28th of May, 1955 was the day when he was ordained in the Archdiocese of Regina. In the beginning, Father Lucey served a number of parishes, including:
After serving as Pastor of Kenaston from 1955 to 1956, Dysart from 1955 to 1956, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Regina from 1956 to 1958, Estevan from 1958 to 1959, Church of Our Lady in Moose Jaw from 1959 to 1960, Mutrie from 1960 to 1970, Claybank from 1970 to 1980 and Truax from 1974 to 1980, Lestock, Wishart, and Leross from 1980 to 1981, Bengough, Big Beaver, Horizon, and Ogema from 1981 to 1993, and finally as Pastor of Torquay from 1993 until 2014, where he eventually retired.
The people of Torquay welcomed him with open arms, and he eventually became a guide for everyone. In addition to writing a large number of books, Father Lucey also wrote two collections of poetry. Additionally, he was a historian.
In 2014, he moved into Creighton Lodge to begin his retirement, and in 2018, he made his ultimate retirement move to St. Joseph’s Special Care Home. He was a man with a quick wit, and all those who knew him will miss his intelligence, sense of humour, and brilliant demeanour. Father Lucey was a man who was a devout disciple of Jesus.
The following members of Father Lucey’s family passed away before him: Father Dan, Michael Lucey, Eileen O’Shea, Nora Murphy, Mary McGrath, and Sister Debra Martin, as well as his nephew Donal Lucey. Sister Agatha, Margaret McGrath (Fitzgerald), David McGrath, Bridgid McGrath, Lucy McGrath (O’Dwyer), and Frances McGrath (Gordon) are among the people who are able to carry on his legacy after his passing. In addition to John O’Shea and Helen O’Shea, Patrick McGrath, Padraig (Patrick) Lucey, Tadhg Lucey, and Conor Lucey were also there.
