MARIAN ANN LEWIS

1931 - 2010

Marian Ann Lewis, 78, of Anacortes, died on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Providence Medical Center in Everett, WA.

She was born on February 10, 1931 in Hart, Michigan, the daughter of Oscar and Hilda (Karstad) Lewis. She was the youngest of four children and grew up on the family farm in New Era and attended a one room school through the 8th grade.

She graduated from high school in Shelby, MI, and then went into the nursing program at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon. As she worked in nursing, she also continued her education, getting a BA in Nursing at Wittenberg and then her Master's in Nursing Administration at the University of MN.

In 1960 she came to Seattle to work at the University of Washington Hospital as a supervisor in Pediatrics. She worked there for 12 years, the last three years as Associate Director of Nursing Services.

During those years in Seattle, she enjoyed outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, biking, camping, and salmon fishing with friends. Her faith was always important to her and because she wanted to share that faith with others, she moved to Anacortes, and with her friend Joan Pontliana, opened The Lampost, a Christian bookstore. She was in this ministry for 22 years, retiring in 1994.

She was proud to be a member of Soroptimist International, Anacortes, since 1974 and has continued to be involved in their activities. She also served on The Anacortes Planning Commission and Island Hospital Health Foundation. Wherever she lived she was active in the Lutheran Church. She was a member of Anacortes Lutheran Church, sang in the choir, and served on the council and various committees. She was also a member of the Care Team, reaching out to shut-ins.

She will be remembered by her many friends for her quiet, caring manner (even when she was being bossy), her organizational skills, and her hard work.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Hubert and Lyle; and a sister, Helene (Fanberg).

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Nina (Lyle) Lewis; many nieces and nephews; and good friend, Joan Pontliana.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Anacortes Lutheran Church with a reception to follow.

Remembrances may be made to Anacortes Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, New Era, MI or Soroptimist International of Anacortes-Scholarships.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Marian, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.