On July 17, 2012, Lucy Willems Aksionczyk passed away peacefully after fighting breast cancer for six years. She was born Lucy Hermine Willems in The Netherlands on February 14, 1955, to Gustaaf and Hetty Willems (deceased). Lucy grew up in Grand Rapids, MI, and in 1977, married Nick Aksionczyk. After moving to Sacramento in 1983, she graduated from CSUS in 1990, where she received her B.A. Degree in Humanities and membership to Phi Alpha Theta.

Lucy enjoyed running, hiking, and admiring the beauty of God's creation. Also, Lucy was the publisher and editor for over 20 years of 'Run the Race Newsletter.' During the last 18 years, she was employed by Vision Service Plan as a Claims Processor. She will be greatly missed by her two sisters, Sue and Kerry, her husband, her best friend Marilyn Terpstra, and by her other relatives and countless friends that she held very dearly. Lucy will be remembered for her positive attitude and moral character. She was selfless, kind, and loving. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior was unshakable. She knew that her body would be transformed from a cancerous state into a glorified body to be with Him in heaven for eternity. Flowers may be delivered to her grave site: #1146 in section #12 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road in Dixon, CA.