Lois Elaine Lewis, 76

NEWPORT, R.I. – Lois Elaine Lewis died peacefully on Sept. 8 after a life filled with family, friends and love.

She was born on April 5, 1937, in Providence, to Mary Beatrice (Lubin) and Leo Andelman. She was an incredibly bright student and graduated at the age of 16 from Hope High School in 1954.

She attended Boston University before she met the love of her life on the beach in Narragansett. William Lewis swept her off her feet, and they married in 1955. The two then moved to Cranston to start their life together.

They had three children: Debra, Michael and Steven. She worked as a receptionist at the Cranston Tennis Club and was an avid player. She was also a successful part-time fashion consultant for more than 15 years at Mel and Me in Garden City and always dressed to the height of style.

She lived in Cranston for 30 years before she and her husband designed and built their dream home in Warwick. They also spent summers at their beautiful summer home, Bonniecrest, in Newport. When Lois and Bill retired, they spent their winters at their home in Naples, Fla., but always returned to Newport each summer to spend time with family.

They were partners in everything they did for their 60 years of marriage: traveling the world, going to the ballet and theater, golfing and more. She always loved animals, including her Bichon Frisés, Sassy and Lily. She was a voracious reader and kept up with every new movie and TV show. She enjoyed baking, cooking, and entertaining friends and family. She was also very active in her community, serving on various committees and boards, as well as fundraising for charitable organizations.

When she was diagnosed with cancer, doctors told her she only had a few years to live, but she proved them wrong for more than 13 years. She was always beautifully dressed with a smile on her face, even through the toughest times. Her poise, strength and grace are an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her husband William Lewis, her sister Marcia (Andelman) Halpern and her husband Robert of Naples, Fla., and Newport, her children Debra Lewis Hogan and her husband Lawrence of Boxford, Mass., Michael Lewis and his wife Brenda of East Greenwich, and Steven Lewis and his wife Kathryn of East Greenwich, as well as her five grandchildren, Cara, Elana, John, Rachel and Cory.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, Mass. 02215, Care Dimensions (Hospice), 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, Mass. 01923 or your favorite charity.