Mary, aka Neen, was born in Staten Island, New York on February 8, 1942, to George and Mary Viegelmann. Some of her fondest childhood memories were enjoying all of the family pets, attending New York Yankee games with her father and family gatherings with her aunts, uncles and cousins. A lifelong Yankee fan, she loved telling stories about chasing players to their cars to toss them self -addressed envelopes requesting autographs or how all the games were held during the day since lights had not yet been installed at the stadium.
She graduated from Curtis High School and attended Bryant College in Rhode Island, where she met the love of her life, Gerald “Jerry” Lewis. They married on May 4, 1963. Her children always loved to joke with them that they were the original Star Wars super fans before it was cool. Jerry and Mary had 52 amazing years together. We lost Jerry on April 9, 2015, Mary thought about him every day and her love for him stayed constant. They are now together again.
Mary was a wonderful sister, mother and “Granny”. She was happiest surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her brother, George Viegelmann and five children, Gerry (Debbie), Susie (Robert), Andy (Leslie), Jenny and Bill (Linda). She especially loved her seven grandchildren Julia, Jill, Robby, Amy, Ashley, Brody and Jeremy. Going to Granny’s house always equaled fun! She enjoyed cooking and teaching all her grandkids poker. Mary loved the holidays especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would go all out decorating the house, picking out presents and planning the menu.
Mary was known for her big smile and bright red lipstick. She was an avid sports fan who would always support her teams up or down. She had that special something that created instant and lifelong friendships. Mary lived a full life, raised a beautiful family and will be missed by all who knew her. A funeral mass will take place at Sts. Simon & Jude on Thursday, April 13th at 10 am. Her final resting place will be in Barnet, Vermont in late spring.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Lewis family.
