Mary Jane (Gallagher) Lewis

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 and 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 six 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, 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, Weirton on Monday July 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Saint Paul’s Cemetery, Weirton.