Beloved Loris Elaine Lewis of South Haven passed away on June 4th, 2018, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born August 29, 1931 to Russel and Mary (Clymer) Porter in South Haven. Loris graduated South Haven High School as Valedictorian and Miss Industrial South Haven in 1949.
She loved music, was a gifted musician, and could sing like an angel. She was in band, orchestra, glee club, and the usher club. Loris was also a pianist for Kiwanis Club, First United Methodist Church, and an accompanist for students’ instrumental solos.
She was given a DAR Good Citizenship award and an American Legion – Girl’s State award. She attended Albion College where she met her future husband, and majored in Business and Economics. She was a member and President of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, and received many honors/awards which include Alpha Lamba Delta – freshman honorary, Mortar Board – junior honorary, Phi Beta Kappa – National honors, and Who’s Who National Honorary.
She transferred to Northwestern University her junior year, then returned back to Albion. She went on to obtain her masters degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, and taught at St. Basil Catholic School for 25 years…she loved her students. Loris married Richard W. Lewis on September 19, 1953 and they shared 53 years together before his passing in 2007.
Loris also attended American Floral Art School in Chicago in 1954, and owned and operated the Rose Shop for 15 years. She was very active in her community as a member of the South Haven Yacht Club, the Scott Club, and was chairman of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce. Loris was a generous giver and “doer”, and was always helping others with shopping, driving, appointments, outings, or whatever was needed.
She also was a den mother for the Cub Scouts. In her Retirement years she mentored many students. Loris had a very loving approach to life, and could brighten anyone’s day with her beautiful heart and radiant smile.
She loved her family and friends, her dogs, gardening, and reading. Loris is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Robert (Barb) Porter, and son James Lewis. She is survived by her children – Richard W. (Chris) Lewis Jr. of Palm Coast, Florida, and Lisa (Martin) Capaccio of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Grandchildren – Amy, Richard W. III, Michael, and Gordon Lewis of Palm Coast, Florida, Sara (Brian) Weiderman of Zeeland, Michigan, Katelyn (Anthony) Ysquierdo of Zeeland, Michigan, Ryan (Holly) Lewis of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, Jena (Chris) Hodge of Kentwood, Michigan, and Joel Capaccio of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Sister-in-law – Pat Porter of Cadillac, Michigan.
Ten Great Grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. A memorial celebration of life service will take place on Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Virginia Heller officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in South Haven, 429 Michigan Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
