Three Bridges, NJ–Lucille "Lu" C. Soffel, 63, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital in Bethlehem, PA with her loving friends by her side. Born in Brooklyn, NY to her late parents George Fehr & Virginia (Pettit) Soffel, Lu lived in New Providence, NJ for many years before moving to Three Bridges thirty-three years ago.

Lu retired from the Manville Public School System after thirty-one years of dedicated service as an art teacher. Lu graduated from Virginia Intermont College and Pennsylvania State University where she earned her bachelors degree. In her youth she participated in equestrian events and won many ribbons for her riding abilities. Throughout her life she spent much time working outside in her garden. After retirement Lu spent many hours painting with the Louise Louise group. Her greatest passions in life were her pets, sharing a meal with good friends and collecting Mickey Mouse memorabilia. Lu also loved to read, particularly about the Civil War. She was truly a Civil War "buff", having had ancestors who served and fought. She was also a member of NJREA.

Besides her parents, Lu is predeceased by her dear brother John Fehr Soffel.

Lu is survived by her Aunt; Lucille Phillips, her cousins; Scott and Kathy Phillips and Gail and Skip Hollinger, all of Michigan, and her second cousins; Stewart and Francis Walker of Annapolis, MD. Lu will be deeply missed by her longtime friends; Mary Ann Kelco, Susan Cosentino, Janice Kanyha and her seven adored feline friends. Lu will be sadly missed and remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Countryside Funeral Home, 724 Route 202 North, Three Bridges, NJ 08887 with Rev. Jim DiVries officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. and on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Lu will be laid to rest in the family plot at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover, NJ 07936. Memorial contributions in Lu's memory may be made to: Tabby's Place Cat Sanctuary, 1100 US Hwy. 202, Ringoes, NJ 08551.