‘Lean on Me’: Pat Lewis’ children know they can always count on her to be there for them, no questions asked

Pat Lewis is a true matriarch. As a mother of three and grandmother to four, she is someone who is looked up to by many.

She is also someone who has always been there for her family. She is a constant and a stable force, and her kids all love the fact that Mom’s love has never once wavered. 

“She means everything,” Pat’s son, Patrick, said. “We had some trials and tribulations growing up. I have two younger sisters and she’s been the absolute rock in the family. She means so much to us.” 

Being a mother of three teaches you a lot about patience and compassion, which Pat exudes so very well. She is also the kind of mom who is fun, deep-spirited and focused on creating new experiences for all.

She is also famous for her witty quips that have become inside jokes within the family and taken on a life of their own. Some noted examples include, “Holy mackerel” and, “Is this food real… can ya see it?!”

Now a little background to better paint a picture of how Pat’s family became what they are today. After finishing her degree at St. Bonaventure in Allegany, New York, Pat began her career in the early 1970s as a newspaper reporter, a job that was extremely rewarding and oftentimes challenging.

Working in Rochester, New York, she met her future husband, George Lewis. They dated briefly before George decided to move all the way across the country to Anchorage, Alaska, on a whim to fulfill his adventurous spirit.

For a while, they corresponded through letters and occasional phone calls until Pat decided to pack up her life and move out to Alaska to be with him. And what a decision that was! She landed a job at RCA, where she was able to travel to surrounding bush towns, reporting the local news and providing educational material and social support to the villagers. 

After five years in Alaska, Pat and George switched climates up completely and moved to Tucson, Arizona. They started a family there and loved exploring the southwest by motorcycle and RV.

Eventually, however, it was time to move back east to be closer to family. Pat then began working at an inner-city library, which was a natural segway in her career as it gave her a platform to promote journalism and literacy.

“One of the things I learned from her is utmost caring for the underserved,” Emily described. “She taught us to take chances, live adventurously, and to be selfless and of service to others.” 

Pat still gives to others to this day in many different ways. She is the friend who always has your back and is just a phone call away, and those in her life appreciate this fact tremendously.

Making yourself available to other people and being sacrificial is a quality that defines Pat. She wants what is best for all those around her, and she is willing to always be the bigger person. She sees the silver lining in any situation and gives people that benefit of the doubt. 

“She’s somebody that all her friends and siblings – she is one of eight kids – turn to her because she is incredibly reliable and trustworthy,” noted Macon. “She is so virtuous and patient, and always wants to put others first.”

When it comes to Pat, she is not someone who just talks the talk. She walks the walk each and every day through her actions and with her loving heart. She gives so much of herself without the recognition or appreciation she deserves, and her children hope to soon change this notion. 

“I just want her to know how much the girls and I appreciate and acknowledge how much she has done for us and our family throughout the years. I can’t wait to see all the adventures she takes in retirement!” – Patrick