Lucine Kroeckel passed away on September 29, 2021. Born as Lucy Kroeckel in South Milwaukee on February 26th, 1929, she somehow changed her name and social security card unofficially. It remains a mystery how her unofficial name change became official, but supports the fact that she traveled through life exceptionally. An exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, and so much more. Lucine lived a fruitful life, touching the hearts of everyone she met, and making life all the more fun with her exuberant charm.

At the age of three she moved to Yettem, CA, with her two sisters, Anna and Elizabeth, and her parents, Manoug and Nazlou Zakian. She grew up enjoying the quaint farmland that they owned, and filled her time with athletics, enjoying plays, and working on the farm. She grew up in St Mary’s Armenian Church in Yettem, graduated from Dinuba High School and achieved her degree at San Jose State University. She met her husband, Robert Kroeckel, when applying for a recreation department job in San Leandro where Robert headed the department. They married in 1955 and laid down roots in Hayward, CA.

Lucine started her career as a PE teacher at Bancroft Jr. High in San Leandro and later became a teacher assistant at Hillview Crest Elementary School. She had 3 children. Rob, John and Laura, and 5 grandchildren, all who adored her infinitely. Her shih tzu, Lulu, became her partner in crime as she conquered life with her lively and witty spirit. Lucine’s legacy will live on through her love for bunnies, tea parties, the color purple, and her famous potato salad and pilaf, although we don’t expect anyone to ever make it quite as good as hers. 

We rejoice in knowing that Lucine impacted so many lives through her teaching, friendships, and her boundless love that she extended to all, and that now someone else at the Ivy Park living community has a chance to win at the card games now. She will be missed, but the memories she made and lessons she taught will remain in everyone’s hearts forever. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to St Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland.