Lori Hafer Lukus
July 15, 1964 - March 09, 2021
Lori Hafer Lukus
Age 56, of Cranberry Twp., passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born July 15, 1964, daughter of Barbara (Fulton) and the late Charles N. Hafer. Beloved wife of James J. Lukus, whom she married on November 24, 1990; loving mother of Sydney Ann, and Zachary James Lukus; dear sister of Marci (the late Greg) Smith; aunt of Sabrina and Coleman Smith. Lori is also survived by her father-in-law, Joseph (the late Bernadette) Lukus, and her sister-in-law Jacqueline Lukus.
Lori was a 1982 graduate of Steelton-Highspire High School in Steelton, Pennsylvania, where she graduated as valedictorian. She went on to study advertising and public relations at The Pennsylvania State University, where she met her husband. After graduating with honors in 1986, she moved to Pittsburgh where she got married and started her family. She had a long career working in consumer healthcare communications and public relations. She most recently worked as a Director of Communications with ThermoFisher Scientific. Her work took her to both sides of the state, eventually moving to Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 2008 and then back to Cranberry in 2015. Through her work she was able to travel the US and the world, and work with celebrities from across the spectrum. She was also a long-term member of the Public Relations Society of America(PRSA) Outside of her career, she was a loving and fierce advocate for her children, ensuring they had every educational opportunity available to them. She loved to cook and bake, especially for holidays with family. She also enjoyed reading, traveling and her Hallmark movies. She was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wexford, Pennsylvania.
A Memorial Service will be announced and held at a later date. Professional Arrangements entrusted to Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Lori’s name to The American Cancer Society.
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My deepest sympathy to Jim, Sydney, Zach and to Lori’s family and many friends.
Lori and I met when we both worked at Highmark. She was such a good friend and trusted colleague who was smart, thoughtful and funny. We always met for lunch when I would travel to Pittsburgh, and I will cherished those times.
The world lost a beautiful soul and far too soon. Your laughter and kindness will stay in my heart always. I miss my friend. Love to your beautiful family.
gone and
She loved Jim and her children beyond words and was enormously proud of the young adults Sydney and Zach had become. She always wanted the best for you which factored into every decision her made.
To Jim, Sydney and Zach, you were the loves and lights of her life. She may have had stellar career success but her heart was always and will forever be yours. Time flies but I remember a night at the Shandygaff…
Jim, Sydney & Zach, I am so very sorry for your loss. The world is a smaller place without Lori in it. May all of your good memories carry you through this difficult time. Shel
Barb, Marcia, Jim, I just found out that Lori had passed away and wanted to send my condolences to you and your family.
Lori and I became friends in first grade and were friends throughout our school years. She was smart, kind, and a dear friend. Praying for the family.
Please accept my deepest condolences at Lori’s passing. She was a dear colleague and I had the pleasure of traveling around the world with her making memories that I still smile at today. My prayers are with you Jim, Sydney and Zach. May your loving memories carry you through the healing period ahead.
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Lori at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She was always caring and kind, and was the first person to volunteer to help when needed. She will be missed. I’m sending you all much love and prayers.
Comfort, blessings, and love to Lori’s dear family from her congregation at Trinity Wexford. We will miss Lori’s wisdom and professional gifts she shared with our church family. She always added a spark of humor and hope with her sage advice. She was loved and appreciated here!
To the Lukus family — from one of Lori’s coworkers, I’m so sorry for your loss. I really respected Lori’s work & her professional efforts. She’s very fondly remembered and greatly missed, and I send you my condolences. — Tim
Dear Hafer and Lukus Families, Please go to GSK Consumer Healthcare Friends on Facebook to read condolences Lori’s many friends at GSK. Thank you.
Condolences to the family
SHHS – ’82
So sorry to read of Lori’s passing. She was a great partner to my department when she was at GSK. Smart, articulate and fearless! I was sorry when she left, but happy to see her career progress so nicely. Pease accept my sincere condolences.
Janice McSherry
VP, Legal (retired)
I am saddened to hear about the passing of our beloved co-worker, Lori. She was such a joy to work with and will be missed terribly. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her friends and family mourning her loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for all of you. I worked with Lori at Thermo Fisher, and she was such a wonderful colleague and friend. Lori always had everyone’s best interest at heart, and her empathy toward others made her such an inspirational communicator. I will never forget her kindness, smile and laugh. She will truly be missed by the entire communications team. May God bless.
Dear Jim,
My heart breaks for you and the kids. I am so very sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. I had hoped to get a Zoom call together between our high-school group and then we lost George’s sister unexpectedly. I did not get that call back on track. I am soo sorry we missed that opportunity. You will all be in our prayers. She was an special friend and amazing woman.
My heart breaks for losing a childhood friend so soon. I will always remember all the good times we had in school, at each other’s house, and our trip to Canada! I know you are in a better place. My prayers and thoughts are for everyone you leave behind dear friend. Rest In Peace.