Abbie Lukens Obituary

Dr. Lukens was my doctor when I was a child. I am now in my 60s, but I still remember her fondly.

I was a young mom who had just had a baby girl at LaGrange Hospital on May 30, 1973. Dr. Lukens was the pediatrician for the hospital, so I could say it was by chance that we met her…but I don't believe that was the case. It's much more likely that she was heaven sent, as she helped my daughter and I through a very rough first three months with nursing/digestive issues. I will never forget the one time she examined my little girl, who was uncomfortable and very fussy with colic, when she reached into her pocket for a small brown bottle of liquid, opened the eye dropper top and let a few drops fall on my daughter's feet. She then massaged the liquid into the bottoms of her feet and I watched my daughter stop fussing, allow her whole body to relax and give us both a big smile…a first in several weeks for both my little one and myself. Dr. Lukens then handed me the bottle and told me to take it home and do the same treatment on those little baby feet two times a day for the next two weeks. And she gave me a bottle of little white pills to add good bacteria (acidophilus) to her newborn digestive system and told me to keep nursing as long as I could..no matter that my family and friends thought it best that I stop. We left that office restored, encouraged, relaxed and reassured that everything would be okay. And when I looked closely at the brown bottle of liquid, I saw the label stating, “Rescue Remedy”, a homeopathic medicine for anxiety, nervousness and hysteria…all of which my little girl and I were suffering from! Needless to say, Dr. Lukens healed my daughter's digestive issues and she knew about that part of the story…what she didn't know and I never had a chance to tell her, is that years later I began my education in natural medicine and homeopathy. That was almost 40 years ago and I am a practicing holistic doctor and homeopath to this very day. I credit Dr. Lukens with being my first doctor/teacher who, whether she knew it or not, gave me my very first lesson on becoming a natural health care practitioner. She not only helped my daughter's health, but has always been an inspiring force for me with the hundreds of children/families I have worked with as patients, over the years. Interestingly enough, as the years have passed I would think of her now and then, but over the past few months, she has been coming to mind more frequently…and now that I've learned that she has passed, I think I better understand and would like to believe she is letting me know she's still available to me…and coming from a very inspirational place! Rest in peace, dear Dr. Lukens, you will always be in my healer's heart, I thank you for all you have done for me, my family, my patients and your patients…and, please know that I, too, carry a bottle of Rescue Remedy with me and make it a point to give it (with your foot application instructions) to every new mom I treat…yes, Abbie, you have taught me well. <3 Michele

Abbie was our childrens pediatrician and a good friend to all of us. In fact, she is the reason my daughter went into medicine. RIP Abbie. You will be missed.

Dr Lukens was my 4 boys pediatrian for many years. A truly devoted Dr who would even meet me at her office on a Sunday to take care of my kids. She will deeply be missed.

Dr. Lukens was a wonderful physician to myself and my brother growing up. Compassionate in her life's calling, She came to care for me at home when I was very ill as a young teenager.

Dr. Lukens was also a caring employer to my mother, Sheila Coan. She took care of her employees and treated them with respect & dignity.

As a young woman, I enjoyed spending time with Abbie in her garden. She has inspired my professional work and home life in many ways. I will miss her greatly. I speak on behalf of my entire family in extending our heartlfelt condolences to the family. Abbie was a gem.

I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Lukens. She was our daughters dr. She was so dedicated and I completely trusted her. I remember when she told us she was retiring, I was so upset. I knew we would never find another like her - and we never did. I am very glad we kept in touch with her over these years since she retired. Lunches at The Flame and visits at her house. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. She will be missed for sure.

I will miss you Abbie,you are a wonderful and happy person.Thank you for the happy memories!

ria

Dr. Lukens was our pediatrician for our two young children when we took a foster child for a year. When I brought him in, she called me to her office, shut the door and asked, "What's been going on with this kid?" She wanted to know his story. How wonderful was that?! My daughter is now a palliative care internist because of the impression Dr. Lukens left with her.

Our children loved her She will be remembered Bill and Lori Powers