Joan Lewis
October 19, 1922 ~ November 2, 2020
Portland Area - Joan A. Lewis, 98, died on Monday, November 2, 2020, at Fallbrook Woods after a brief illness.
Joan was born on October 19, 1922, in Montreal, Canada, the daughter of the late Arthur E. and Gertrude A. (Thorne) Stanger. Joan and her family lived in Montreal and spent summers in the Eastern Townships. After graduating from high school, Joan enlisted in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service and served from 1942-1945 as a coder and interpreter stationed in Washington DC. On Christmas Eve in 1954, in Montreal she married Phillips Frisbee Lewis, president of Sun Savings Bank.
Joan worked in a lab, exanimating samples until they moved to Portland. When the family moved to Portland, Joan became a docent at the Portland Museum of Art, a role she enjoyed for many years. A few years ago she was awarded the Longest Standing Docent. Joan loved art and continued to learn about her passion by taking adult education courses. In her free time, she enjoyed horseback riding into her 80's, skiing, sailing, birdwatching, but most of all spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and great grandchild. She volunteered at Maine Medical Center where she did compassion visits, the Maine Audubon Society, and served on the Board at St. Mary's Garden Club.
She was predeceased by her son, Brian Lewis; and a brother, Peter Stanger. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Newell of Cape Elizabeth; brothers, Dr. Michael Stanger and his wife Janice of British Columbia, David Stanger and his wife Betty of Ontario; three grandchildren, Nicholas Mayberry, Lindsay and her husband Scott Lizotte, Devan Newell; one great grandchild, Julia Lizotte.
Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Joan's memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com
In memory of Joan Lewis donations may be made to Portland Museum of Art, Seven Congress Square, Portland, Maine 04101, https://1519.blackbaudhosting.com/1519/Total-Contribution
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Joan was for many years a part of our birding “gang” which traveled together for many wonderful birding experiences – both far and near. We missed enjoying her company the past few years. We have so many wonderful memories of our times together. I am sure you all have many wonderful memories as well that will help you through this difficult time. Marie Jordan
– Marie Jordan
Leslie and Family, I have such fond memories of my mom, Ann Pierce, and Joan delighting in one another’s company. Joan was a special person and I will always hold her memory close. Thinking of you all and sending my love. Sarah (Pierce) Liziewski
– Sarah Liziewski
My condolences to your family. My name is Harold Skelton and I met Mrs. Lewis at Fallbrook Woods where she lunched daily with my mom, Mary Ann Skelton, and two other residents. My wife and I frequently sat with the ladies at lunch and gradually learned a little about each of their lives. Joan was so bright and pleasant! She related interesting tales of her childhood, her military service, and her life in Portland. Joan was particularly solicitous and caring toward my Mom who has significant cognitive challenges, and we appreciated that very much. We know Joan had the best of care at Fallbrook, and we can only hope you had a chance to be with her in person before she passed, given the times we are in. Our best to all of you.
– Harold Skelton