Lucille Aryleen Pedersen-Nawy

Lucille Aryleen (Bitzer) Pedersen-Nawy, was born April 21, 1932, in Halkirk, Alberta, Canada and passed away on September 23, 2024 in San Diego, CA at the age of 92. Lucille was a beloved wife, partner, and confidant of Meir Nawy for 27 years and loving mother to four children and three step-children, her spirit is carried on by the combination of their families, the additional joys of 12 grandchildren and dearly cherished friendships spanning from across the street to across the globe.

Lucille was born in a farmhouse to Lydia and Harry Bitzer as the middle child, with an older sister, Luella, and a younger brother, LaVerne. Lucille flourished in small-town farm life on the cool prairies of Alberta, Canada where she learned to harness a relentless perseverance and work ethic that endured her entire lifetime. She attended and graduated from Stettler High School and was affectionately known by her nickname, “Peanuts.” She moved to Calgary, working for the Nazarene church, an important connection throughout her life. There she met S. Rudolf Pedersen; they married in 1958. Rudy and Lucille were very active in the Nazarene church and eventually moved their small family to Nampa, Idaho, where they both took classes at Northwest Nazarene College. After Rudy graduated from seminary in Kansas City, Lucille and her family returned to Alberta where Lucille enjoyed her role as a pastor’s wife in Calgary and Olds before settling in Red Deer. There, Lucille worked tirelessly to raise their four very active kids.

During and after college, Lucille was well known for her sharp mind and attention to administrative details as an executive assistant, but she eventually chose to stay home for twenty years once the last two children came into the family. Lucille supported the family with her creative talents as a seamstress. She was well known over the years for making tailored outfits, crocheted blankets, framed needlepoint, peanut brittle, and eventually her own jewelry branded as “Designs by Luci.” She enjoyed throwing a party for any kind of family celebration, and special requests were often made for her ambrosia salad and the plentiful fruit basket she made out of a watermelon.

Lucille had a way of adding fun and laughter to any event and would willingly perform a headstand with or without a dare. She was an exceptional hostess and would invite anyone into her home for a cup of coffee, a treat, a listening ear, a little laughter, and some kind of encouragement. She fully believed that all people were deeply valued by a loving heavenly Father, and many “stray sheep” found encouragement in her home over the years. She would not allow those in her company to harshly criticize or devalue themselves and could often be heard saying “You can stay, but that kind of talk has got to go!” Her steadfast faith in God was a life source that motivated her to pray through all of life’s challenges and to inspire others to do the same. One of her favorite verses, shared often with her children, was Philippians 4:6–“Be anxious for nothing, pray about everything, let your needs be known to God and don’t forget to thank Him.”

Lucille was a force of nature. Her work ethic was molded through a tough but loving upbringing under the watchful eye of her hardworking, depression-era parents who instilled in her a passion for work and for helping others. Lucille had little time for idle hands and would always be involved in taking care of the home, her family, or others. Lucille was exemplary in her willingness to embrace the range of human emotion in herself and others, and how she demonstrated her commitment to forgiveness. After the death of her son, Dwayne, and the ending of her first marriage, Lucille found a caring and dedicated friendship with Meir Nawy that eventually led to a courtship and profound love that was evident to all who spent any time in their presence. After dating for 6 years, Lucille and Meir were married. The children of both Lucille and Meir from their previous marriages welcomed these two into their lives and have all been fortunate to share in their beautiful relationship these many years.

After being wed in Calgary and spending a few years in Boston, Meir and Lucille decided to move to San Diego to escape the chilly winter–but mostly to be close to Lucille’s children in California with their growing families. This was a beautiful time for them both as they were able to enjoy retirement and help raise their grandchildren. They enjoyed regular walks on the beach, bicycling, and mom’s constant tending to their garden which she so deeply loved. Time at home was interrupted by frequent visits from friends and family back in Canada and to see children in San Gabriel, Seattle, New York City, and Israel. Lucille shared a special love with Meir that remained strong, committed, and faithful to the end of her life.

More than anything, Lucille loved spending time with Meir and being around her family. She was able to do this right up until her last days, leaving behind a legacy of love and selflessness while touching so very many people who are simply better for having known her. She was a wife, mother, sister, grandma, and friend to many and her radiant light will be missed greatly. We mourn her loss, but we celebrate her rich and full life and applaud her amazing legacy on earth of a life-well lived.

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2nd Timothy 4:7

Lucille is preceded in death by her mother Lydia (Reister) Bitzer and father Harry Bitzer, her brother LaVerne Bitzer, her son, Dwayne Pedersen and her son-in-law, Philip Pannell.

She is survived by her loving husband, Meir Nawy, and children: son, Keith Pedersen (Bettina) with grandchildren Kai Pedersen (Nikki), Soren Pedersen; son, Kevin Pedersen; daughter, Luann Pannell with grandchildren, Taylor Pannell and Eric Pannell; step-children Guy Nawy (Brigitte) with grandchildren, Ronell, Ella, and Ariel; Tal Nawy (Azadeh) with grandchildren, Darian and Miro; Eynat Cooper (Shoni) with grandchildren, Adi, Tova, and Elisha; and sister, Luella Black. She had many relatives and friends.

Memorial Service: Friday, Oct. 25, 1:30 pm, La Jolla Presbyterian Church Chapel

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Lucille Pedersen Nawy's memory to Northwest Nazarene University for the Dwayne Pedersen Memorial Engineering Scholarship. Checks made payable to Northwest Nazarene University can be mailed to the NNU Office of University Advancement, 623 S University Blvd, Nampa, ID 83686, or gifts can be made via their website www.nnu.edu/give.

Lucille Pedersen-Nawy Memorial Service 10/25/24

Lucille Pedersen-Nawy: (1932-2024)

Prelude: Jenny Ung/Jennifer Peckham

Welcome/Invocation/Psalm 121: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Laird

Congregational Hymn: Great is Thy Faithfulness

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 23 (Hebrew?): Meir Nawy

YHWY, you are my shepherd–I want nothing more.

You let me lie down in green meadows; you lead me beside restful waters.

you refresh my soul.

You guide me to lush pastures for the sake of your Name.

Even if I’m surrounded by shadows of Death,

I fear no danger, for you are with me.

Your rod and staff–they give me courage.

You spread a table before me in the presence of my enemies,

and you anoint my head with oil–my cup overflows!

Only goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in your house, YHWY, for days without end.

The Inclusive Bible

Recollection of Joy: Donna J. Butler: LJPC Chancel Choir

Eulogy : Luann Pannell

Memories: Meir Nawy, Kevin Pedersen, Kai Pedersen

Video

John 14:1-3: Keith Pedersen

Homily: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Laird

Still, My Soul, Soul Be Still: Getty, Getty and Townend/McDonald: LJPC Chancel Choir

Prayer for the family: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Laird

Congregational Hymn: How Great Thou Art: Stuart K. Hine

Benediction: Rev. Dr. Rebecca Laird