Mary Jane (Gallagher) Lewis
January 12, 1931 ~ June 27, 2024
Born in:
New Castle, PA
Resided in:
Orlando, FL
Mary Jane (Gallagher) Lewis of Orlando, Florida passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024.
Born January 12, 1931, in New Castle, PA to John E. Gallagher & Mary Jane (Rogan) Gallagher. Mary Jane was raised in Weirton, WV. She attended St. Paul Catholic School and graduated from Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, OH.
In 1949, Mary Jane made national news when she withdrew from Miss West Virginia North Panhandle beauty pageant, rather than risk being excommunicated from the Catholic Church. She was quoted saying “My religion means more to me than any beauty contest.” She was very proud of her Irish heritage and Catholic faith.
In 1952, she married Thomas F. Lewis. Little did she know that love would take her to San Mateo, CA, Phoenix, AZ and Chesterton, IN. Mary Jane and Tom were
blessed with 6 children. She was a devoted wife and mother and always made every house a home. Family and friends were always welcome to sit around her table.
In 1975, her loving husband passed away and she made her way back to Weirton, WV. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and enjoyed golfing
with friends at Williams Country Club. She also loved singing, dancing and playing cards.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by, the love of her life and husband, Tom and her beloved son Terry, her adored sister, Ruth Hudson and doting brothers Jack and
Jim Gallagher. Also, son-in-law, Barry Saunders, and daughter-in law Kathy Lewis.
She is survived by her children, Patrice Saunders, Apopka FL, Tom Lewis (Suzanne) Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Lewis (Zorina), St. Petersburg, FL, Todd Lewis, Siesta Key, FL and Wendy Wilson (Dwayne) Savannah, GA. She loved being Grammy and Mimi to her 12 grandchildren- Timmy, Danny, Christian, Delaney, Madison, Eliza, Chase, Shane, Tommy, Mary Kate, Matthew and Logan. She also had one great grandson and many nieces and nephews that loved their Aunt Mary Jane.
Mary Jane will always be remembered for her devotion to her family. She will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Weirton on Monday July 8, 2024 at 10 AM
Burial will follow at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.
Memorial donations may be made to Advent Health Hospice Care Central Florida https://www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealth-foundation-central-
florida/donate-hospice-care
Share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com
Services
Mass of Christian Burial: July 8, 2024 10:00 am
Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church
Main Street
Weirton, WV 26062
304 748 6710
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Mary Jane (Gallagher) Lewis 's name.
AdventHealth Hospice Care Central Florida
480 W. Central Parkway
Alamonte Springs,
FL
32714
So many memories growing up and will be forever grateful for the moments shared. I will remember the love, laughter, QVC orders, holidays, cooking, sleepovers and her love for that bronzer! She was always ready to go no matter what time of day it was. Her happy spirit I will remember forever and Heaven truly gained an angel! Will be forever missed… love you Grandma!
Love,
Madison Lewis
We always had a special bond especially after I wore her wedding gown when I got married. I’m so glad I went to visit her and Patrice! We had a wonderful three days together sharing memories, watching QVC and laughing til we cried!
You will be missed, Aunt Mary Jane. And when I think of you …. It is always with a smile and warm heart. God Bless 🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💚
I had so many good memories of Mary Jane! I immediately loved her when I met her! We became very closed. I will never forget the sweetness of her heart. God speed Mary Jane !!!!🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️
Sending sincere condolences to Patrice, Wendy and the Lewis family. May your sweet mom rest in peace.
MaryJane was and always will be in my heart, one of the most elegant women I’ve ever known. Maybe not in her attire, but in her spirit she exhibited a level of graciousness not matched by many!!! I will always keep a special place for her in my heart ♥️
I met Mary Jane when I was in the 4th grade, when her daughter Wendy became my best friend. I spent many weekends at the Lewis house, many great memories. Mary Jane was a cool , hip mom! So beautiful and sweet. And her smile…oh that smile, one you can never forget. One of my favorite memories is her candy jar. She always had a jar of butterscotch candies and they were my favorite. To this day, every time I have one, I think of Mary Jane. I love you girl! You were a big part of my childhood. Give mom and dad kisses for me.
Thank you Mimi for being the most wonderful mother-in-law for over 30 years to me and an incredible grandmother to my children. Your kindness and love for family has created so many fond memories of times together which will be forever treasured by us.
Several times I can recall staying weekends at her townhouse with the family and we’d all be able to talk for hours. Her home always felt like HQ for the Lewis family to gather. A true source of love.
I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to see you the past few years, and I will always remember you close to my heart.
“I love you more than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow”
Love you, Grandma
Aunt Mary Jane was the warmest person I ever met. She had so much grace and compassion. I will miss her beautiful smile and her sweet voice. Sending my Lewis family peace and love. All my love, Kelly Welly and Sal