Mary Elizabeth (Lasselle) Lewis

BOOTHBAY HARBOR – Our beloved mother, Mary Elizabeth (Lasselle) Lewis, passed peacefully to Heaven on March 14, 2025, with her loving family at her side.

Mum was born on March 28, 1935 in Gardiner, the daughter of Lilla and Richard Lasselle. Mum spent her childhood in Gardiner and often mentioned happy memories of listening to the radio with her father, adventures with her best friend, Joan Emerson, going to the movies on Saturdays, sliding in the snow, visiting Skehan’s Dairy and walking in Oak Grove Cemetery.

After graduating from Gardiner High School in 1953, where she was the editor of The Quill, Mum worked for the Secretary of State until she married Vernard D. Lewis in 1955 and settled onto Chestnut Street, which would be her home for the next 50-plus years. In a span of 10 years, Mum brought the seven of us into the world. A total of six daughters and one son.

Mum always put the needs of us before herself. She taught us kindness and to respect others. Even with money being tight, Mum used her resourcefulness and made sure we had the essentials. She prepared simple dishes, such as American Chop Suey, forever evoking memories of a simpler time. Lovingly, she always created magical Christmases and stressed that every day is special. “Take time to smell the roses” and always vote!

Creative and artistic, Mum enjoyed many crafts and hobbies, including sewing, quilting, crocheting, tole painting and stained glass.

Mum was a member of the United Church of Christ, Congregational Church and Eastern Star and enjoyed helping at church suppers and creating myriad crafts for donation to church and school Christmas fairs.

Mum loved to read and enjoyed attending musicals, the Brunswick Music Theater being a favorite. She loved the ocean and enjoyed “riding the waves” at Popham and Reid State Park. She enjoyed Cribbage and playing Flinch. Spending time with grandchildren included school concerts, field trips, and various school sporting events. Mum was a devoted fan! Mum also loved a good coffee shake!

Mum cherished her close relationship with her younger sisters Marjorie and Alice. She enjoyed many happy memories of painting crafts with Alice and Dickie and trips to Florida and Quebec.

In her 40s, Mum used her newly acquired driver’s license to reenter the workforce for the State of Maine Workers’ Comp Division, where she would stay until retirement. Mum greatly treasured many precious friendships that developed during her time at the State.

Loving, quiet, selfless, and with great humility, Mum exemplified the fruits of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Above all else, Mum was a shining beacon of love, kindness, and compassion, always putting all others before herself. Mum helped where she could, without hesitation. This included being a lifelong Red Cross Blood Donor, spanning at least 50 years.

Mum missed her parents and her siblings (and spouses) that departed before her, including Richard, George, John, Bert, Arthur, Ellen, and Alice. She was also predeceased by her former husband, our Dad, Vernard D. Lewis.

Mum is survived by her siblings Ralph and Marjorie; her seven loving children, Bethany, Wendy, Darrell, Pamela, Jenny, Heidi, and Amy (and spouses/partners); adored grandchildren, Jason, Deidre, Klinton, Tyler, and Klayton; and precious great-grandchildren, Mikey, Addison, Calum, and Magnus. Mum is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews; and other extended family members and friends.

A heartfelt thank you to our special cousin, Kelley Cowing, who managed Mum’s excellent care while at St. Andrews in Boothbay Harbor, along with all the other dedicated medical professionals who provided daily care, love, comfort, and ice cream. A sincere thank you also to the Woodlands of Hallowell for the compassionate care and Beacon Hospice who provided tremendous care and support to both our Mum and our family during her final days.

A sincere thank you to Donna Colby, Mum’s dear friend and angel, while she resided at the Woodlands in Hallowell. You were a cherished companion and your caring assistance to our mother will never be forgotten.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held in July.

Rest in peace, our precious Mum. We will carry on your legacy of love and kindness. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.

In lieu of flowers, please do a simple act of kindness every day.