Tribute & Message From The Family
Message From The Family
Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Please enhance this tribute to Elizabeth "Betty" by adding your memories.
Elizabeth "Betty" R. (Hogan) Lewis passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 20, 2020 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Born in Boston on December 30, 1937, Betty was the 11th child of the late Patrick and Margaret (Gordon) Hogan. She was raised in Dorchester where she attended St. Peter's Grammar School. After moving to Medford, Betty paid for her own education at Cardinal Cushing High School in South Boston. At the age of 18, she began working for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company. Betty retired from "Ma Bell" after more than 25 years of service as a Sales Consultant in the Business Marketing Department in Boston, receiving many awards for her outstanding sales and service to customers. She often ran over to St Anthony Shrine on Arch Street to attend mass during her lunch break. Betty instilled the importance of education into her children and set the example by pursuing a Communications Degree at Salem State College. Betty raised her family in Melrose, where she resided for more than 47 years. She was a longtime member of Incarnation and St. Mary's Parishes. An avid reader, she was a familiar face at Melrose Public Library.
Betty was so very full of life and laughter. She shared her love of dance and music with all who knew her. Proud of her Irish descent, it was not uncommon to see her jig at family events. An active sports fan, Betty attended every parade celebration in Boston. Betty grew up loving the silver screen, which was evident in her enjoyment of plays, musicals, theatre, and movies. A devoted Nana to Jack, Danny, and Ryan, she attended every academic, athletic, and social event in the front row. When she was in the presence of children, they naturally gravitated to her and she to them. Betty made friends far and wide and was always the life of the party. She enjoyed her many travels, with memorable trips to Ireland, Bermuda, Alaska, and Hawaii. Betty loved opening her home annually at Christmas and Easter time for wonderful and often raucous family gatherings. Betty's kitchen was always the center of activity for conversation, a hot cup of tea, and goodies. She enjoyed spending time with family & friends on Cape Cod at the beach and at the Christmas Tree Shop.
Devoted mother of Mary Mannion & her husband Thomas of North Reading, Kathleen Leary & her husband Timothy of Danvers, Donald Lewis of Wakefield, and Nancy Lewis of Melrose. Cherished grandmother of John "Jack" & Daniel Mannion, and Ryan Hogan Leary. Beloved sister of Mary Silva, Eleanor Zoffreo, Francis "Hank" Hogan, and the late Catherine Hogan, Margaret Josephine "Jo" McCarthy, James Hogan, John Hogan, Thomas Hogan, Edward Hogan, and Dorothy Rich. Former wife of the late Donald F. Lewis.
A Catholic service and celebration of Betty's life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Betty's name to the Alzheimer's Research Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or the St. Jude's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-9929 or @ www.stjude.org.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Dear Nancy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a lovely lady and a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace. Respectfully, Sheila Tighe
Posted by
Sheila Tighe - Melrose, MA - Acquaintance May 31, 2020
Dear Nancy & Lewis Family,
I was sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. My condolences and prayers for you all. With Sympathy, Kathy (McGovern) Artz
Posted by
Kathy Artz - Melrose, MA - Friend April 30, 2020
Mary,Tom,Kathleen,Timothy,Donny,Nancy,Kevin,Gretchen,Linda,Walter and familys.Deeply saddened by the passing of my Beautiful most wonderful Aunts.No words can say how much Love they exampled.My joy is they are up in heaven united with the all the saints of our upbringing.Probably doing some Irish jigs and cha cha's.Love you all so much.
Posted by
Stephen Hogan - Clearwater, FL - family April 29, 2020
Betty was a light in this life, and will be an angel forevermore. She was a woman of faith, compassion and most of all fun. She had a special connection with children that came across in the relationships she built with all of her childrens friends. I came to know Betty in Jr. High and HS in Melrose while hanging out with Mary, Kathleen and Nancy on many sleepovers, breakfasts around her kitchen table replete with stories and life shared. She had a deep faith and instilled her values in her 3 beautfiful daughters and son. My life was richer for having had Betty and her girls in my childhood, and I will always be grateful for the care and love she showed me. I will think of her whenever I hear the song "I hope you dance". XO
Donna
Posted by
Donna Williams - Redwood City, CA - Family Friend April 28, 2020
Betty was an angel on earth. I am very grateful that she took me under her wing when I was in HS and Jr. High - like one of her own, and will always remember her caring compassinate personality. She raised her 4 children pretty much by herself and always made room for one or 2 more at the table. She was like a little leprechaun, full of pep, loved to dance, tell stories but mostly she enjoyed her children and made sure to pass her love for life, compassion for others and deep faith onto them. The Lewis Chidren are Betty's living legacy. Many fond memories of time spent in her home around the table talking, she had a gift for relating to children, especially teens. I know she will always be near to her children and grandchildren spiritually. Until we meet again.
XO
Donna
Posted by
Donna Williams - Redwood City, CA - Family Friend April 28, 2020
I have many fond memories of hanging out at the house with your mom. She was always such a happy person and always found the good in everyone. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Posted by
Darlene DelMastro - Saugus, MA - Family Friend April 28, 2020
I will always remember Mrs. lewis as a happy and fun loving person. She loved her children and always welcomed her home to their friends I was a frequent visitor in my childhood. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. So sorry for your loss of your loving Mother.
Posted by
ELAINE PARKER - Reading, MA - Friend April 28, 2020
I met my friend Betty at the Phone center store in 1980. She was a joy to be with and your life was happier knowing Betty. She will be Deeply missed. Our deepest sympathy to her loving family.
Posted by
Jeanne and Jim Tassinari - Harwich, MA - Friend April 27, 2020
Dear Nancy....I am so sorry to hear of your loss...My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Billy Goodwin
Posted by
Bill Goodwin - Melrose, MA - Friend April 27, 2020
My deepest sympathy to all at this very difficult time.
Posted by
Wendy Champigny - Georgetown, MA - Friend April 27, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Betty was the sweetest and nicest woman. Always quick to a little dance with our kids when we walked by. She also had the best Halloween candy. We send our love. Wishing you all peace and strength- Love, The Drew's: David, Erin, Abe & Evelyn
Posted by
David Drew - Melrose, MA - Neighbor April 27, 2020
To my cousins Mary, Kathleen, Nancy and Donnie and your husbands and children. I am sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mom. Auntie Betty was a source of joy for her entire family as well as everyone she met. As a little girl, she taught my sister and I the cha cha. As a teen, young Mom and now a grandmother myself, she shared her wisdom, kindness and especially laughs with me. My friends who knew her as well as co-workers who I shared stories of her with, all loved her too. I imagine she is entertaining the angels in heaven and welcomed by her family & friends. I love and miss you Auntie Betty, love your niece Terry Silva Sullivan
Posted by
Terry Sullivan - Nashua, NH - Family April 27, 2020
Sincere sympathy to the Lewis family. Betty was such a fun lady. Loved when she told her Betty boop stories. Peace to all.
Posted by
Colette Maguire - Melrose, MA - Neighbor April 26, 2020
Your mother was a joy. The Giallongo family is so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Betty.
Posted by
Paula Giallongo - Belmont, MA - Friend April 26, 2020
DEAR BETTY MY FIRST FRIEND WHEN I MOVED TO MEDFORD SO LONG AGO WE SHARED MANY WONDERFUL TIMES TOGETHER YOU WERE MY MAID OF HONOR AND GODMOTHER TO MY SON i WILL MISS YOU FOREVER UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN SAY HI TO MICKEY FOR ME LOVE YOU ALWAYS DEE
Posted by
DOLORES BREEN - SOMERVILLE, MA - Friend April 26, 2020
Dear family of Betty Hogan, Lewis,
It is with great sadness I write this loss of a dear friend with whom I have many Memories,
Betty and our circle of friends spent many youthful years together having fun and many dances to reflect on...
We grew up together through our young years of life , planning our weddings
having our families ,learning from one another, counted on one another for comfort in the good and bad times.
Truly defining the meaning of Friends.
Betty always had a great sense of humor and lived life with a smile..
Betty was a devoted Mother, Grandmother ,Sister and friend...
May your fond memories sustain you now and in the future.
..RIP Betty keep kicking!!!!
Posted by
Charlene and Clyde Murphy - Falmouth, MA - Friend April 26, 2020
So very sorry to hear of bettys passing she was certainly one of a kind love and prayers
Posted by
Anne Ramette - Wakefield, MA - Family Friend April 26, 2020
Prayers to Kathleen and Mary at this difficult time. God Bless all of you.
Posted by
Ellen Devane - Braintree, MA April 25, 2020
Nancy,
My deepest sympathy to you and family.
Your devotion was so remarkable and inspirational. It spoke volumes as to the type of woman your mom was here on earth.
Prayers being said for your comfort
God Bless,
Posted by
Jennifer (Meehan) Will - Franklin, MA April 25, 2020
Condolences to the Lewis family, Aunt Betty was one of a kind. Heaven has a blessed angel.
Posted by
Francis Hogan - Concord, NC April 25, 2020
Nancy & Family - I'm so sorry for your loss. Betty was an amazing lady. There was a big heart, tons of spirit and a great sense of humor in that tiny package. I am so glad that I knew her. She will be greatly missed. xoxo
Posted by
Kristin Bremberg - Melrose, MA - Friend April 25, 2020
I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope you can Bring her love and happiness forward
Posted by
Jim Cusolito - Melrose, MA - Friend April 25, 2020
Nancy, Donny and the Lewis family I am so sorry to hear of your Mom passing. Betty will be missed by all she touched. What a great life she had. All should be so fortunate to have a Mom, Sister, Nana, friend like Betty. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Posted by
Dennis Breen - Melrose, MA - Friend April 25, 2020
Dear Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful write up about you Mom you were a great daughter to her!!!
Posted by
Peg Wright - Stoneham, MA - Friend April 25, 2020
The Gately Family and Staff wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call on us at anytime as we are always available to you.
Posted by
John W. Gately, John H. Gately & Fred Sprague - Melrose, MA April 24, 2020
