BRIDGEWATER – Elsie Lewis, 94, completed her life’s mission on earth and passed through heaven’s gates Jan. 18, 2010. Elsie was born Sept. 3, 1915, in Millinocket, to George and Lura (Wass) Walsh. After her graduation from Stearns High School in 1933, she married and moved to Aroostook County. Mom lost her mother at the tender age of 12. Because she lacked the comfort and attention of a mother, she directed her love and devotion to her children and grandchildren, as well as the many nieces, nephews and others who became a part of her life. Once you were accepted into her fold, you became part of her extended family. She was a lady of strong faith and it was that faith that got her through the trials of a failed marriage and the loss of three infant sons. She clung to her faith and shared it freely with those she came in contact with as her desire was that no one pass through her life without the opportunity to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. At age 81, Mom attended computer classes at the community college in New Port Richey, Fla., and purchased her first computer. E-mail then became her mode of communication and a good part of each day was spent renewing old friendships and nurturing new ones via the Internet. Her grandchildren fondly referred to her as “Techno Gram.” Elsie was bookkeeper and office manager for E.G. Bates Hardware, Mars Hill, for 25 years; a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida for 18 years; and a Mary Kay consultant for many years. She was a member of Bridgewater Free Baptist Church. In 2008, during Bridgewater Sesquicentennial Celebration, she was presented the Boston Post Cane as Bridgewater’s oldest resident. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Vaughn C. Lewis; sons, Victor, Wallace and a stillborn son; a very special son-in-law, Edgar Wheeler; brothers, Fred and Albert Walsh; and sisters, Gladys Fitzpatrick and Viola Walls. She is survived by and will lovingly be remembered by daughter, Bonnie and husband, Wayne McKeen, of Island Falls; daughter, Dottie Wheeler of Bridgewater; adopted daughter, Avis Burnham of Bridgewater; grandchildren, Kelly and husband, Scott Kingsbury, Debra and husband, J.P. Kelleher, Terri and husband, George Brewer, Martin and wife, Leone Wheeler, Linda and husband, Darryn Libby, Mitchell and wife, Allison Wheeler. The memory of Nana will always be cherished by great-grandchildren, Michelle and Matthew, Meaghan and Scott, Brock, Paul and Anne, Patrick and Erin, Ben, Alexis, Victoria, Jeffery, Edgar II, Jessica, Brody, Lyndsee, Chloe and Jack; great-great-grandsons, Samuel and Harper; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. The highlight of Mom’s week was the Sunday morning visits by her very special friend, Keith Wheeler. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Olugbemi and the staff at Central Aroostook Health Center, and the devoted and loving staff of Visiting Nurses of Aroostook Hospice – VNA, especially nurse Jane, Debbie, Karen, Lynn and Deacon Al. A celebration of her life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at Bridgewater Free Baptist Church with Pastors Robert Vaughan, George Perkins Jr. and Mark Carter officiating. Friends may call noon until time of service at the church. After the service there will be a time of refreshments at the home of her daughter, Dottie Wheeler, 302 Bootfoot Road, Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in her memory to VNA Hospice, 2 Water St., Suite 1, Houlton, ME 04730. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
ELSIE LEWIS
