Mrs. Ermelinda "Ermie" (Alberico) Lewis

UTICA/ROME – Mrs. Ermelinda “Ermie” (Alberico) Lewis, age 102, embraced a century of change prior to passing away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with her loving family surrounding her. Born in Utica on May 6, 1924, Ermelinda was the daughter of the late Daniel and Palma (Dolcenome) Alberico. She attended St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School. On May 28, 1949, she married Kenneth Lewis with whom she shared 48 years in a union that was sacred to them. She had hoped that their relationship would bring the blessing of children. Kenneth passed away in 1997. An expert leather cutter, Ermie began her working career at the Kenwell Sporting Goods Company in East Utica. After some time, she left the work force to enter her new calling of motherhood and raising a family. When her children went to school, Ermie went back to work, first at UNIVAC and later at Mele Manufacturing Company. She will be remembered for her engaging personality, her warm sense of humor, and her beautiful smile. Ermie was fiercely independent and possessed a strong demeanor. Her children were her life, and her greatest goal was to nurture and raise them with love. She had a deeply loving heart and reserved her most tender affection for her family. She was a meticulous homemaker and a skilled baker. She took pleasure and pride in preparing her specialty, Syrian bread. Her kitchen was always full, and her homemade traditional meals were bountiful. During her spare time, she enjoyed knitting. She was married and instilled in her children a deep appreciation for the Maronite traditions of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. Ermelinda is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Joseph Barberio, Patricia “Patty” and Stephen Ferraro, and Lisa and Pasqual Leone with whom she resided. Always close to her heart was the memory of her son, Richard K. Lewis, who passed away on August 29, 1992. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Erin and Jim Palombo, Cory and Sarah Barberio, Lynne Ann Lewis, Kelly and Ernie Talerico, Kristie Lewis, Christopher and Emily Ferraro, Matthew and Lauren Ferraro, Meghan and Jamie Calido, Brittany and Robert Hicks, Ashley Santiago, and Alyssa Lynn Leone; and her great-grandchildren, Gavin, Joey, Bianca, Michael, Domenique, Antonio, Gianna, Paris, Austin and Samantha, Owen, Noah, Lucas, Armani, Elige, Hudson, Branch, twins Tate and Miles, and Josephine. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings and their spouses, Carlo and Alice Alberico, Dominick and Josephine Alberico, Joseph and Mary Alberico, Nicholas and Theresa Alberico, Lucia and Leonard Guillaume, Sr., and Mary and Salvatore Priore. Her extended family includes several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Shirley Lewis. She was additionally predeceased by her nieces, Palma Kerber, and Margherita Collis; nephews, Nicholas Priore, Daniel Priore, and Salvatore Priore; and in-laws, Katie Lewis, Rosemary Lewis, Tom Lewis, Gerald Lewis, Carol Lewis, Jennie Lewis, Louis Lewis, and Edward Louis. The Lewis family wishes to thank her granddaughter, Meghan, for the constant companionship and care she provided her Non. The staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. were so kind and compassionate; Alyssa and Lisa were outstanding in their care and respect for Ermie- they complimented the family on the wonderful care they provided to their mom, which was a blessing and a comfort to all. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ermelinda’s funeral service which will commence on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Louis Gonzaga Church, 520 Rutger St., where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Father Boutros El Hachem. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Ermie’s honor may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. online at www.hospicecareinc.org/donate or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stude.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Committal prayers and interment will follow graveside in Calvary Cemetery.

Mrs. Ermelinda "Ermie" (Alberico) Lewis

May 6, 1924 - June 7, 2026