Myra Ellen Lewis

Myra Ellen Lewis was born in Pawtucket Rhode Island, April 6th,1942 to the late John and Mary McKechnie. She attended and graduated Plainville High School and continued her education in Cosmetology school. She moved to Florida in 1961 and married Arthur William Meares in 1962. They quickly started a family of four girls, Debby Sardoni, Wendy Fortune, Chris Meares and Robin Meares.

Myra did many things in her life from owning the Beaches Fabric Shop to working at the local Sun Times newspaper in Jacksonville Beach, Fl. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, baking, seashell hunting and gardening. Many of her friends and family were blessed to receive her handmade decorations, baby clothes, blankets and beautifully made cross-stich tea towels. Myra also loved traveling and spending wonderful evenings with her family and friends cooking out, laughing, telling stories with great sass and spunk, which she is known for throughout her life, typically accompanied with a glass a wine or two.

Her greatest love was becoming a grandmother. She created special memories with her daughter’s and grandchildren with her Annual Christmas cookie and pie bakes. She also took great pleasure in hand making and filling the “Ho Ho” stocking ‘s every Christmas for her family. She was affectionately known as “Nanny” to all of her grandchildren, and they will always remember her for the many special moments she created with each of them.

Myra is survived by her brother and his wife, Thomas and Judith McKechnie of Sedgewick, Maine. Her daughters, Debby Sardoni and husband Joseph of Apollo Beach, Fl, Wendy Fortune and her husband Richard of Dinsmore, Fl, Chris Meares of MacClenny, Fl and Robin Meares of Jacksonville, Fl.

She has 12 grandchildren, Amber Buttrill, Jordan Buttrill, Savannah Virtuoso (husband Christopher) Noah Lee, Chad Fortune, Crystal Fortune, Colton Fortune, Andrew Sardoni, Jackie Dawson (husband David) Joseph A. Sardoni, Sophia Sardoni and Julie Mosley.

Along with 9 great grandchildren, Jameson Virtuoso, Nash O’Connor, Tinsley Fortune, Wyatt Fortune, Adalynn Dawson, Josephine Dawson, Hudson Fortune, Hadley Ann Fortune and Leland Kitchens.

She was blessed with John McKechnie (wife Tara) nephew, of Deer Isle, Maine. Susan McKechnie Bernier (husband Kevin) niece of Ellsworth, Maine and Tom McKechnie (wife Darcy) of Penobscot, Maine.

Myra’s Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday December 20, 2023 at 1pm.

Hardage –Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach FL, 32250

The Family will receive friends from 12:30-1:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to support either the American Lung Association at Lung.org, tribute page for Myra Ellen Lewis or The Jacksonville Humane Society at jaxhumane.org.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.