Sofia Gellada | On 09, Nov 2021

Words can never accurately describe the pain of losing a family member. The death of Mrs. Debra Lucas-McGady left the Hudson Catholic Family reeling in her loss. Yet this is not about the sadness we felt in her passing but a celebration of her life and legacy. 

Mrs. Lucas-McGady dedicated 12 years of her life to teaching at Hudson Catholic. She instructed a variety of science courses including: Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Oceanography etc… She taught her classes with an infectious passion and pushed her students to unlock their potential and become the best version of themselves.  In addition to her numerous classes, Mrs. Lucas-McGady moderated the Student Council, National Honors Society, Cooking Club and the Environmental Club. She also served as the mentor and coach for the Rutgers Oncology Olympiad and the Science Olympiad. 

Although she had a busy schedule, Mrs. Lucas-McGady (along with her husband, Mr. Frank McGady) always found time to be involved in the Hudson Catholic family. They showed avid  support for the various sports teams of Hudson Catholic and were often found among the cheering crowds at both home and away games for football, soccer etc… The annual school musicals were also permanent fixtures on their calendar. Sometimes they even bought tickets and attended the shows twice!

To honor her memory, we must aim to emulate the virtues she lived her life by. Mrs. Lucas-McGady was more than an amazing teacher. Her kindness, compassion, dignity, unwavering faith in God and love for her students made her classroom a safe space for the students at Hudson Catholic. She often referred to her students as her kids and her love for them will never be forgotten. Her name graces a new leaf on the Tree of Life memorial in the lobby of Hudson Catholic and there are plans to rename the National Honors Society chapter in her honor.