MaryAnn (Joseph) Lewis

Mrs. MaryAnn (Joseph) Lewis, age 80, of Utica, went home to join her loved ones who preceded her, when she passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. MaryAnn was born in Utica on April 13, 1931, the daughter of the late Anthony and Eva (Sheheen) Joseph. Raised and educated locally, she was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. On August 28, 1954 she married Anthony J. “Tony” “Horn” Lewis with whom she shared a blessed union of 46 years prior to his passing on February 27, 2001; they were true companions in their value of family as well as partners in the meaningful social aspects of their life. MaryAnn worked outside of her home as a medical secretary with Dr. A.L. Shaheen for over 40 years. A vital part of that office, many would remember her warmth, compassion, and devotion to patients and co-workers. She was also the foundation of her family, a selfless and optimistic matriarch who always had the best interest of her children in her heart. Sitto, to her grandchildren, was an inspiration and a guardian angel, sharing a special bond with each of them. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and baking special birthday cakes. She also prepared the traditional “Thursday pasta night dinner” for her children and grandchildren. A memorable time for her was her Tuesday Coffee Club with her late husband, family, and closest of friends. Her spirituality and hopefulness could be found in the recitation of her daily prayers, with petitions for an endless list of those she kept in her heart. She was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church, a member of the St. Mary’s Guild and St. Maura and St. Joseph Societies. She was active in volunteering her time and talents to the Parish, including the Sunday Hospitality Group. MaryAnn is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Rosanne M. Lewis of Syracuse, Gail T. Lewis of Utica, Kathy Lewis of CA, LuAnn and Chuck Coppola of Schuyler, and Susan and Michael Risucci of New Hartford; and her beloved grandchildren, Chuckie and Anthony Coppola; and Tori Risucci. Also left to mourn her passing are her brothers and sisters-in-law, George A. and Jean Joseph of Rome, John J. and Shirley Joseph, and Louis A. Joseph, all of Utica; her cherished nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Joseph Ferris, Hazel Lewis, and Mary D. Lewis. MaryAnn was also blessed with many wonderful friends in her life who she considered as family. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Joseph Anthony and Rose Joseph; and her in-laws, Joseph Lewis, Anna and Peter Khoury, A.J. and Mary Lewis, Helen and Louis Esper, Daisy Joseph, Louise Lewis, Catherine Ferris, and John Lewis. The family will gather at a private time to honor MaryAnn’s life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend MaryAnn’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 at St. Louis of Gonzaga Church where the Divine Liturgy of the Faithful Departed will be celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abraham House in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

MaryAnn (Joseph) Lewis

April 13, 1931 - August 9, 2011