Mildred Poland Lewis of East Dennis passed away at home on January 15, 2013 at the age of 95 years. She was the beloved wife of 51 years of the late Edwin Ray Lewis II who passed away in 1992. Mrs. Lewis was born in Fitchburg, the daughter of Lillian (Newcombe) and Rodney F. Poland. She graduated from Fitchburg High School before attending Fitchburg State Teachers College for 1 year and then graduating from Wheaton College with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Art History.Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were married in 1941. He was a pioneering cinematographer who created surgical teaching films for the American College of Surgeons and they lived in Greenwich Village from 1941 - 1953. During her years in NYC, Mrs. Lewis was the Head of the Correspondence Dept. for Book of the Month Club. In 1953 when her husband's company, Davis and Geck, relocated, the Lewises moved to Bethel, CT where they lived until 1981 and where they raised their family. Mrs. Lewis was active in town politics serving on the School Board that created the vision and secured the land that would become the town's central school campus for all the schools. She was a substitute teacher, Cub Scout leader and Girl Scout leader for many years. She volunteered in the thrift shop for Child and Family Services and was also active in St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Bethel. She enjoyed painting, taking many classes, and was a life member of the Candlewood Yacht Club spending many years sailing on Lake Candlewood. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis retired to East Dennis in 1981. They enjoyed sailing on Nantucket Sound and the activities at the W. Dennis Yacht Club. Mrs. Lewis was a member of the Dennis Union Church and their Women's Fellowship and the E. Dennis Ladies Aid Society. She enjoyed walking and was an avid reader of books on tape and member of a local Book Club. She particularly enjoyed reading about past presidents. Her family would like to thank her many friends who helped her remain independent at home by being her eyes when her own failed and the VNA Home Health Aides who cared for her, especially Joyce. She is survived by a son, Edwin Rodney Lewis of Sandy Hook, CT and E. Dennis who has cared for her at home these last years, a daughter, Meg (Margaret) Lewis Schoenemann and her husband Martin of E. Longmeadow, a granddaughter, Amanda Frances Lewis of Newport, VT and several generations of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her step-mother Maida Poland, a brother, Rodney F. Poland Jr., sisters-in-law, Mary Gamble Lewis and Caroline Johnson, and a nephew. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM, March 2, in Dennis Union Church, Rt. 6A, Dennis. Burial will follow in Dennis Village Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to VNA of Cape Cod, 255 Independence Dr. Hyannis, MA 02601, or the charity of one's choice.

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Published in News Times on February 24, 2013