Barbara Lewis

Mystic — Barbara Riordan Lewis, 94, passed away peacefully at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital on March 15, 2024. She was born April 28, 1929, in New London to Edward and Gladys (Ronan) Riordan.

Barbara graduated from The Williams Memorial Institute in 1946, and then worked as a service clerk for the Southern New England Telephone Co. before dedicating herself to raising her children. On April 15, 1950, Barbara was united in marriage to Fredrick Lewis Jr. Barbara spent most of her life living in New London, but in recent years, she resided in Mystic. She was an avid sports fan and took great joy in watching her children and grandchildren participate in various sports. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Dee.”

She was predeceased by her husband, Fredrick Lewis Jr.; cherished granddaughter Shannon Lewis; and brother-in-law John Manavas. Barbara is survived by her four children: Susan Lewis (Bret), Timothy Lewis (Beth), James Lewis (Sue), and Kristin Lewis; her grandchildren: Ryan Kate Hood, Daniel Lewis, Samantha Roy, Shauna Lewis, Jackie Lewis, and Seamus Barry; and her great-grandchildren: Keagan, Cooper, and Bailey Hood, Isla and Faye Lewis, and Patrick and Kennedy Roy. She also leaves behind her siblings, Margaret Manavas, James Riordan and Barbara Mackay; and many nieces and nephews.

To celebrate Barbara’s life, visiting hours will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 22, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, New London. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 149 Montauk Ave., New London. Interment will be at St. Mary Cemetery, New London.