Sally Ann Lewis

Sally Ann Lewis, 88, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Carlisle. She was the daughter of the late John and Emma Irene (Webster) Widdowson, born on September 16, 1934 in Harrington, DE.

Sally attended Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Philadelphia for her entire education. When Martin Lewis came on to the scene as a transfer student in 1951, they quickly became an item. They both graduated in 1953, and in 1955 were married and moved into the Lewis family farm in Shamokin. Sally adapted to farm life and embraced the role of wife and mother. She loved to cook and bake, but sewing was her passion. She made beautiful articles of clothing for her whole family, including her grandchildren. During that time at the farm, she also worked as a sewing machine operator in various dress factories in town. In 1977, Martin was called to become a pastor for the deaf, and the family moved to Scranton where a deaf church had been established. It was at that time that Sally worked for Lady Manhattan Shirt Company in Scranton, but still continued to sew for pleasure. Sally loved pretty things, and kept an eye on the fashion of the day. She loved to shop, and would spend many of her Saturdays at the glamorous, but now extinct department stores in Scranton.

Martin’s deaf ministry took him all across the United States and Sally was a supportive and willing companion. Between missions and pleasure, they reached 48 of the 50 states in their lifetime, missing ND and HI. Sally supported Martin’s passion for the deaf community in Jamaica, and they both did service projects there. They also took a special Thanksgiving trip to Paris, France in 1996 where their son was living at the time. She was an avid Phillies fan and talked about her several trips to Veterans Stadium to see them play. As Sally got older, she kept her mind sharp with jigsaw puzzles that she often did with her family. Sally’s beloved Martin passed away in 2019, after 64 years of marriage. She never stopped missing him. The family takes great comfort in knowing that they are united in heaven.

Surviving Sally are her children, Joanne Cunkle (husband, Joel) of Mechanicsburg, Ray Lewis of WA, and Janet Richey (husband, Jim) of Mechanicsburg; and grandchildren, Emma, Anna and Daniel, all of Mechanicsburg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, C. Martin Lewis; and siblings, Gordon, Betty and Bob.

A public funeral service will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. A viewing will take place the hour prior to services in the funeral home. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Sally will join her husband in St. Paul’s Reformed Church of Christ Cemetery, Gowen City.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Sally’s name to Hospice of Central PA at www.hospiceofcentralpa.org.