Janice Melcher Lewis

Janice Melcher Lewis, loving wife of Stuart Bruch Lewis for 58 years, died on October 18, 2017. She was born in 1936 in Englewood, NJ, daughter of Russell Englis Melcher and Elizabeth Arnold Melcher. Much of her childhood was spent in Miami Beach, FL, long before the area was commercialized. Janice was a graduate of St. Margaret's School in Waterbury, CT and Wells College where she received a B.A. in Biology. Upon graduation, Janice worked for Sloan Kettering Institute, followed by number of positions that reflected her intellectual curiosity and many talents. She taught English in Laredo, TX, was a docent at the Noah Webster House, and taught colonial cooking at the Stanley Whitman House. Janice was a Girl Scout leader for 15 years and co-founded the Lewis & Clapp advertising agency. She was a licensed real estate broker, working for the Wallace Company for many years and served as Corporate Secretary of The Harvey & Lewis Company. Janice served on a number of boards, including the PTA and YMCA and was a member of the Founders Club and the College Club of Hartford. In addition, Janice pursued many hobbies including sewing, quilting, cooking, painting, and woodworking. Above all, Janice's boundless energy and passion was most apparent in her love and devotion for her adoring family and wide circle of friends. She was the heart of every holiday and family celebration. She will be sorely missed and leaves a legacy of love and a lifetime of incredible memories. In addition to her loving husband Stuart of 58 years, she is survived by her children, James Lewis and his wife Lynn of Simsbury, Jeanne Lewis of West Hartford, Susan Mather and her husband Linwood III, of Canton, Cynthia Lewis and Sigmund von Hunnius of Charlestown, MA, and her adoring grandchildren, Hallie, Buck and Cooper Mather, Evelyn Lewis, and Sophia, Luke and Anneliese von Hunnius. Calling hours will be held Friday, November 3 from 4:00 - 7:00 at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main Street, West Hartford. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, November 4 at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. For online condolences and directions please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com