Elma Lewis

Elma Ann Lewis, 93, formerly of Greene Street in Oxford, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2013 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford.

Born February 22, 1920, in Brooklyn, NY, Elma was the daughter of Otto and Florence (Pickrum) Schardt. She was a 1938 graduate of Baldwin High School before earning her bachelor’s degree in English from Hofstra University in 1942. She also completed post-graduate coursework at Columbia University, New York University, and SUNY Brockport. On January 27, 1945, Elma married John (“Jack”) Lewis in Baldwin, Long Island. Jack predeceased Elma on April 6, 2011, after 66 years of marriage. After staying at home for many years raising her four children, Elma worked as a teacher in the Oxford and Guilford school systems, and then spent 15 years as a teacher in the Greene Central Schools before retiring in 1980.

Elma was a meticulous housekeeper and did much to make her home comfortable for her family and guests. She had a special gift for flower arranging and this was evident throughout her home at all times of the year. She was also an avid reader and shared her love of literature with her family and others, especially her friends with the “Travelers” Book Club in Oxford and her many students throughout her teaching career. Recently, several former students told Elma that she was their inspiration to become professional educators. When her vision became so compromised that she could no longer read, others read to her on a regular basis, especially her daughters as well as her good friend, and former colleague, Laura Lynn Clarke Moore.

Elma loved many forms of music. She had a beautiful coloratura singing voice and did much to encourage her children and grandchildren to sing and become instrumentalists. She supported the music program at Oxford Academy for many years and was frequently in the audience for various performances. Most of all, Elma enjoyed being with her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, taking a keen interest in their lives.

Elma is survived by her children, John Evan Lewis, Jane Ellen Ford and her husband, Lewis, and Ann Pickrum Hodge, all of Oxford, and Mary Beth Lewis, of Kenmore, WA; ten grandchildren, Martha Leigh Lewis (Eric Eldred), Maegan Roddy (David), Marcy Lewis (Shannon Appler), Sarah Garrity (Matt), John Lewis Ford, Nathanial Ford, Lee Morgan Hodge (Jennifer), Nathan Hodge, Jesse Hodge (Catherine) and McKenna Lewis-Deux; and nine great-grandchildren, Morgan, Adrienne, Taylor, Lilly, Preston and Cora Hodge, Owen and Liam Roddy, and Madolyn Garrity. Elma was predeceased by her son-in-law, Terry Hodge.

A memorial service for Elma will be held at 3 pm on August 10, 2013 at the United Church of Oxford-State Street building. Friends are invited to call at the church from 2 pm until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery at a later date.

Elma’s family is most grateful to the Oak and Spruce Cottage staff at the New York State Veterans’ Home, in Oxford, for their diligent, kind and compassionate care.

Contributions in memory of Elma may be made to the Oxford Memorial Library or the United Church of Oxford.