Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Lewis, 88, died peacefully on June 29, 2019 after a short illness. She was born on July 18, 1930 in Butler, Pennsylvania to Merle F. McAnallen and Hazel Wimer. She lived at 644 New Castle St. most of her adult life until moving to Concordia’s senior living in Cabot, PA in 2011. Mary Louise McAnallen married Leon L. Lewis on August 26, 1949 and enjoyed 67+ years of love and companionship until his death in 2017.
Mary Lou was known for her ready smile, her infectious laugh, her giving nature, and her deep love of family, friends and her church. She served as a deacon, elder and member of the Board for a number of years at the Oaks Hills Christian Church. She also volunteered for the Visiting Nurses Hospice Services for over twenty-five years. Mary Lou was the lynchpin of the Lewis-McAnallen clan, always keeping in touch, being there to provide support, and becoming a surrogate parent and grandparent to many of her nieces and nephews, and their children over the years. She provided comfort, wisdom and stability, along with large doses of chocolate, cookies, popcorn balls and ice cream. She was the quintessential Grandmother to all.
Mary Lou raised three children and helped to raise and love eight grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. She was a Devoted Daughter and Sister, Loving Wife, Treasured Mother, Beloved Grandmother, Favorite Aunt, and Best Friend.
Mary Lou is survived by son Lesley Lewis and wife Nancy Ritter Lewis of Lexington KY; daughter, Vicki Lewis Eicher and husband Don of Downingtown, PA; and son Lynn Lewis and wife Jodi Nace Lewis of Chardon, OH. Mary Lou has eight grandchildren: Bryan Lewis, Geoffrey Lewis, Evan Lewis, Kristin Ramsey, Beth Schaffer, Jodie Winkler, Michael Lewis and Stephen Lewis, eleven great-grandchildren, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Leon L. Lewis, their son, Bryan Lee Lewis, and her four brothers, Lawrence McAnallen, Heyward McAnallen, William McAnallen and Victor McAnallen.
Family and friends will be received Saturday, July 20, 2017 from 10:00AM until time of service at 12:00 noon at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street, Butler PA., with the Reverend Ty Sabella, officiating.
Private burial will take place later in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association, Western PA, Hospice Program; 154 Hindman Rd., Butler, PA 16001.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.