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Joan Lewis Obituary
Born in Pringle, Pa., June 5, 1936, Joan was a longtime resident of Wallingford. She graduated from Wilkes College and parlayed her teaching degree and love of literacy into a career in libraries in Meriden and Walling-ford. A creative and energetic storyteller, she especially loved the babies program, with their emphasis on edu-cating new mothers. Joan firmly believed that mothers should speak to their children as though they were adults, and read to them from birth.
Joan was an extraordinarily generous person with a deep love of family and a prodigious gift for friendship. She was den mother to her own and her children's extended network of friends. She spent her last year helping to care for her youngest grandchildren.
Joan is survived by her five children, Michael J. Lewis and his wife, Susan Glassman, Judy Lewis and her husband, Tim Cheney, Jacqueline Lewis and her husband, Sheldon Kivell, Jane and her husband, Peter Lamb, and Jocelyn and her husband, Scott Paulson; six grandchildren, Kate, Colin and Nora Cheney, Leo Coltrane Kivell, and Owen and Amy Paulson; her sister, Dolores Kosisher. She will be greatly missed by all.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wallingford Public Library, 200 North Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492, or share a story at www.Caringbridge.org/visit/joanniefrompringle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Lewis
Sara Carter
May 22, 2011
I met Joanie when the whole Lewis family "adopted" me into their world when I got sent to Philadelphia on an extended business trip and Jacquie was assigned to look after me. The whole family is amazing and I have no doubt where their love for life comes from - the even more amazing Joanie from Pringle. Love & Peace.
Johanne McLean
May 13, 2011
I met your mother through Betty Zalonski. She was a great lady and had many friends in Wallingford. I am very happy she was able to meet the UConn Girls.
Joan will be remembered in my prayers. My sympathy to all her children.
scarlett mason
May 13, 2011
I didn't even know Joan-I just read her obituary and I am inspired! May she rest in peace.
May 12, 2011
Dear Jocelyn and family,
There are no words to heal the spirit, but there is love. Your mom shared her love and boundless joy of life with everyone who met her, myself included. And she received love graciously in return, which I know was a gift to all of you as well. Owen and Amy and her other grandchildren will remember that about her, and so she will live on in the most beautiful way in their memories. With love, Sherrill, Jeff, Rachel and Haley
Cindy Reynolds
May 11, 2011
Jocelyn and family, I am so sorry that you have lost your beautiful and spirited mother. I loved meeting her after Owen was born - what an energetic grandma! She seemed thrilled to be in Charlottesville to care for him. Amy's arrival gave her something new to live for, and those two babies will always know how much she loved them. Peace to you all.
Frank Hartman
May 10, 2011
Rest in Peace.
May 10, 2011
I did not know Joannie,But I am sending my condolences anyway.
She sounds like an incredible woman who will be missed by many who knew her.
J.T. W-B,PA.
Sharon Cerasoli
May 10, 2011
wow, I knew Joan from my PT work as a children's librarian in Wallingford...such a loss, gone too soon, yet Joan was a woman who truly made a difference while she lived...
thoughts and prayers go out to her whole family, what an amazing mother you had!
Sharon Cerasoli
Martha DeMarco
May 10, 2011
Mike and family,
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Even though I did not know her well, she never made me feel like a stranger..and we all know how much Tom loved her... My sympathies to all...
Ann Marie Rodriquez
May 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers have always been with Joan and her family...take comfort knowing she is now at peace.
May 10, 2011
My deepest sympathy to you all, I have many fond memories of the lewis family, and many good times,my thoughts are with you. Elaine Kovaleski Liss
Santo Agati
May 10, 2011
With sincere condolences. I spent many hours visiting your parents at their home in Forty Fort and especially enjoyed their company.
An admirer
May 10, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Beth Hartman
May 10, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. We like to say that dad is a butterfly.. I will also remember your mom when I see one.
Elaine Hartman
May 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry for your loss.
Elaine Hartman
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