AUGUSTA – Shari Ann Lewis, 47, of Augusta, passed away peacefully Monday, June 7, 2021, at Gray Birch Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Facility, Pines Unit, Augusta.

She was born on Sept. 25, 1973, in Augusta to Donald M. and Germaine F. (Belisle) Lewis.

Shari was born with Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) which caused her to have shunts since birth that needed to be revised off and on, Cognitive Diplegic Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy (a seizure disorder), an intellectual development disorder as well as emotionally handicapped and physically disabled. Doctors indicated Shari would not make it to her teenage years. Shari faced these challenges head on and proved she was a force to be reckoned with. She graduated Cony High School and attended the Goodwill Day Program for several years, which she loved.

Shari was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 3137 in Augusta. She served on the Ladies Auxiliary and was an enthusiastic participant in the Meat Raffles and Make-A-Wish fundraising events and enjoyed her sodas. Shari enjoyed all of the activities that Gray Birch offered, especially BINGO. It was with a great honor that Shari was able to appear on the Jerry Lewis “You’ll never Walk Alone” Telethon, many years ago.

Eagerly waiting for Shari to join them in Heaven are her mother and father, Germaine and Donald Lewis; sister, Wanda Lewis; Aunt Bunny and Uncle Ray, Aunt Rita and Uncle Donnie; her “favorite cousins” Ray and Tasha; her grandparents Arthur “Sweet” and Leona (Breton) Belisle and Ralph and Joan Lewis.

She leaves behind Ginger (Gary) Jackson, Micah Kanaris (Jon Downs), Kelly (Tony) Cardillo, Tiffani (Jason) Freeman, Melissa Coutts (Chris Porter), Bobby Rodgers, Lee Kanaris (Jessie Woods), Lance Kanaris (Nikki Breedlove); Zachary McGee and son Jayden; Azaria (Levi) McGee, Theresa (Craig) Millett, Mike Kanaris, Brian (Melanie) Belisle, Bobby (Kathy) Weymouth; her long-time boyfriend, Chris Schutz; as well as other cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Gray Birch Facility, especially the Pines Unit and Activity Staff, Beacon Hospice and Maine General for their continued support.

There will be a graveside service held at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Western Avenue, Manchester on Friday June 18 at 11 a.m. with a reception following for family and friends at 11 Bethany Way, Sidney and all are welcome to attend.

Also joining Shari on this day, we will lay to rest her aunt, Rita Kanaris and cousin, Ray Weeks.