Obituary of Lucille Vaughan Cuevas
CUEVAS, Lucille Vaughan
October 31, 1923 – January 14, 2025
Lucille passed away peacefully, at her home, in her 102nd year. She is the beloved wife of the late Ernesto
Cuevas (2014) and loving mother to the late Romany (1989) and Stephen.
Predeceased by her parents Anne Packwood (2000) and Edward Vaughan, mother/father in-law Aura
and Ramon Cuevas, sister Mairuth Sarsfield (2013), niece Jennifer Hodge de Silva (1989) and nephew
Jeremy Hodge (1982).
Survived by her great-niece, Zinzi de Silva of Toronto and her loving and devoted caregiver, Deta Brown.
Lucille was, at heart, an educator. A renowned children’s storyteller, she mesmerized thousands of kids
throughout her storied career. Her achievements as a pioneer in her field were a testament to her
unwavering determination. She was the first black woman to graduate from McGill University with a
degree in Library Science and the first black woman employed as a teacher in the Protestant School
Board of Greater Montreal. As a teenager she won the prestigious City of Montreal Award for
excellence in the performing arts: elocution. A bronze bust of Lucille was featured at the National Art
Gallery of Canada for several years. Having moved to Guelph in 2007, she and her husband quickly
became popular members of the downtown community. She will be remembered as a remarkable
mother and a truly exceptional human being. Her kindness, empathy, and genuine interest in others left
an indelible impression on all who crossed her path. Lucille's legacy will forever be intertwined with the
lives she touched, the stories she shared, and the hearts she nurtured.
Special thanks to Bayshore Healthcare and her dedicated personal care workers, Jenny and Mary Beth,
and her doctor Anna.
A private family service has taken place.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin or to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph would be appreciated.