At home on the water: Key Pen counselor loves her home, work

Colleen Slater, KP News

Maudie Lucas was raised on Wollochet and Henderson bays, and claims salt water is in her soul.

A recent part of the Key Peninsula business scene with her counseling office in Key Center, she is no stranger to the area. She graduated from Peninsula High School, had many friends out this way, and used to attend dances at the Civic Center.

When her five children were grown, Lucas resumed her education in clinical-pastoral studies. She worked as chaplain and counselor in Spokane at Deaconess Hospital, and later at Western State Hospital in Steilacoom.

When she returned to this area with plans to set up her own business, her requirement for a home was on the salt water, and this side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. She settled on Filucy Bay, where she rows her boat every chance she gets. She also kayaks, swims, clogs, plays tennis and loves softball. She would like to have a 50-plus team of women’s softball organized here. She hiked a lot when she lived in Colorado, but does less of that here.

Lucas loves her work, helping people discover who they really are, finding their own voice, helping them realize they have choices to make in life.

She provides an atmosphere where people with problems can feel safe, where they can connect with their real selves, and are comfortable interacting with her.

“When they know the truth about themselves, that truth does set them free,” she says.

She provides counseling for individuals, couples and families, and notes that most insurance companies are accepted.

Fifth of seven children of a Baptist minister who was previously in Vaudeville, Lucas and her siblings have license plates depicting their place in the family. Hers is 5 COY.

She grew up on farms with horses, cows and other animals. One of her chores as a girl was stripping the cow after her brother did the main milking. She didn’t enjoy that job.

She hosts family reunions of nearly 100 people at her beach home.

Lucas loves the peninsula area. Fresh air, friendly people, and life in the country are the positives for her.