HOULTON – Avis Lewin, 96, died Sept. 10, 2008, in Houlton. She was born May 10, 1912, in Sherman Mills, the daughter of Herman and Bernice (Morgan) Elwell. Avis graduated from Sherman High School, Presque Isle Normal School and having attended the University of Maine at Orono and Farmington, Avis fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a schoolteacher, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse at Woodbridge Corner in 1930. She later taught in Sherman Station and Houlton schools. Retiring in 1984, Avis was a member of the Maine State Teachers Association and the Aroostook Retired Teachers Association. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Court Street, Houlton, where she served as Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher, and as a Girl Scout leader. She also served on the Christian Education Board and on the board of deacons and was a member of Order of the Eastern Star. In their retirement years, Avis and her husband, Harry, were avid travelers. They spent two summers in Europe, one in Hawaii and traveled extensively in the United States and part of Canada. They spent 15 winters enjoying Florida. Avis was predeceased by her daughter, Roberta Lewin Long; her husband of 63 years, Harry; and six siblings. She is survived by three grandchildren, Avis and her husband, Earl Gary, of Hudson, Annette Thompson and her husband, Martin, of Fort Fairfield and Percy Long of Indiana; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Angeline Strait of Sherman Mills; two sisters-in-law, Ellen Lewin of Old Town and Roxanne Elwell of Sherman Mills; several nieces and nephews. Friends may call noon-1 p.m. Friday at Bowers Funeral Home, 10 Water St., Houlton, with funeral services being held 1 p.m. with the Rev. Carlton Huntley officiating. Interment will be at Sherman Mills Cemetery.