Laurie Lewis
Mystic — Laurie Jean (Harrison) Lewis, 54, of Mystic, entered eternal rest Monday, March 22, 2021, after a hardfought battle with cancer.
She was born May 18, 1966, in Holyoke, Mass., to Sandra Jean (Bozcon) Harrison and the late Richard John Harrison of Mystic.
Her father, Richard, served in the United States Navy, and after living in Hawaii for a short time, the family settled in Mystic. After graduating from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in 1984, Laurie attended Gordon College (Wenham, Mass.) and earned a bachelor’s degree in youth ministry in 1988. Upon graduation, she worked as a paralegal at O’Brien Shafner law firm in Groton, for more than 10 years. Laurie and her husband, Mace, were married in 1991, and have lived in the Mystic area for the past 30 years. Laurie had a special passion for our local schools, and after volunteering at Noank School for many years, she became secretary at Northeast Academy. Laurie’s beaming smile and warmth greeted everyone who walked through the door, students, parents, teachers and staff alike, with an encouraging word, a patient and sympathetic ear or a warm hug. She will be deeply missed by her dear friends and colleagues at Northeast Academy.
Laurie also volunteered with the Fitch Marching Band for more than 10 years, serving as the chair of the Fitch Music Boosters and co-chair of the home show committee, putting her passion and commitment into practice to serve the students, staff and other volunteers. Her tireless efforts, especially around the home show, helped make the Fitch Marching Band program a source of great pride. She was also a swim mom for the Fitch High School and Gordon College swim teams. She cherished the deep friendships formed throughout the swim community and was loved by many swimmers, coaches and parents. Laurie served as the chair of the alumni board at Gordon College and, with her husband Mace, were co-chairs of the parent advisory committee.
Laurie was a devoted Christian and had a servant’s heart. She was an active member of Bishop Seabury Church since 1983, and was involved in all aspects of church life. She had a limitless faith and truly was a daughter of the King. Drawing on God’s strength, she lived life with compassion, fierce love, grace, pride, humility, devotion and acceptance, touching the lives and hearts of all those she knew. Even in her darkest days as she bravely fought a relentless cancer, she remained a shining light, always putting others before herself.
The family is eternally grateful to Dr. Paul DiSilvestro and all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Program in Women’s Oncology at Women & Infants Hospital. “Your care, compassion, warmth, dedication, friendship, support and advocacy will never be forgotten. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Laurie is survived by her husband of nearly 30 years, Mace Lewis, of Mystic; son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Erin Lewis of Hamilton, Mass.; son Andrew Lewis of Brighton, Mass.; son Aaron Lewis of Boston, Mass.; sister and brotherin-law Amy and Daniel Ganolli and nephew Harrison Ganolli of East Haven; mother Sandy Harrison of Mystic; brotherin-law and sister-in-law John and Joanne Lewis of Beacon Falls; father-in-law Mark A. Lewis of Orange; and dear friends Todd and Maureen Stricklin of Warwick, R.I. Her memory will be cherished by many aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren and friends.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday April 2, at Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., in Groton. COVID-19 protocols are masks worn, social distancing and limited guests in building at one time. Her in-person funeral service will be private due to COVID-19 restrictions. The service may be viewed via livestream at 11:30 a.m., Saturday April 3. Please use bishopseabury.org. All are welcome to attend the graveside service at approximately 2 p.m. Saturday, April 3, at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery, 240 Mitchell St. in Groton.
Donations in Laurie’s memory may be made to the Oncology Patient Support Fund at Women & Infants Hospital, 300 Richmond St., Providence, RI 02903 or the Fitch Music Boosters, 101 Groton Long Point Road, Groton CT 06340.
A celebration of Laurie’s life will be announced at a future date. Please visit www.byles. com to sign the online register or to leave a condolence note for the family.