Phoebe Reese Lewis

Phoebe Reese Lewis, 94, of Milwaukee, WI died on January 26, 2024 at St. John's on the Lake in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Born on August 6, 1929, to Everett David Reese and Martha Grace (Gay) Reese in Newark, Ohio, Phoebe lived in Milwaukee, WI, spent winters in Tucson AZ and summers on Martha's Vineyard, MA. Phoebe was preceded in death by her loving husband (of 65 years) John Dowley “Jack” Lewis. Phoebe is survived by 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; Lloyd Lewis (Patrick)Eagan of Madison, WI and their sons; Gavin and Brendan (Kinnic) Eagan and great-grandchildren, Aidan, Juniper, and Linh Eagan. Thekla Lewis (John)Metz of Evanston, IL and their daughters; Phoebe and Miranda Metz. Meredith Lewis (Tom)Degen of Madison, WI and their children; George Degen, Thekla (Rina) Min, Eleanor and Henry Degen. Graham (Elizabeth Powell) Lewis of Martha's Vineyard, MA/Chicago, IL and their sons Brynn and Rhys Lewis. Bradley (Kristen) Lewis of Belmont, MA and their children; Everett and Lynn Lewis. Phoebe was preceded in death by brother John Gilbert Reese of Islamorada, FL and is survived by sister-in-law Louella Reese of Islamorada, FL, her sister Thekla (Don) Shackelford of Gahanna, OH. and her brother David (Louise) Reese Paradise Valley, AZ ,and by other relatives and many friends.Phoebe attended The Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA for secondary school and Smith College in Northhampton, MA, graduating in 1951 with a BA in English Literature. She married John Dowley (Jack) Lewis on November 25, 1950 in Newark OH. Their wedding day coincided with The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950. This remarkable event is still on record as the worst snowstorm ever in the Ohio River Valley and is still number nine in the entire Northeastern United States. As much as 62 inches of snow fell in some places. This made Phoebe and Jack's wedding a memorable one—wedding guests were stuck all over the place on their way to the wedding and the happy couple never got a honeymoon. Luckily, this dramatic start led to a long and happy marriage! Phoebe was active in many civic organizations in Milwaukee. While serving as a Trustee of the Milwaukee Art Museum, she organized their first Development Committee and, with Jack, started a travel program for the Friends of Art. She served on the Board of Trustees of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater (2017-2022) and served on the boards of Ten Chimneys and Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. Phoebe was active in the local American Field Service (AFS)Chapter and hosted two exchange students, one from Italy and one from Denmark. Phoebe also hosted 2 other year-long international visitors one from Japan and one from Austria. In each case, lasting friendships were established. On Martha's Vineyard, Phoebe was served on the board of The Martha's Vineyard Museum and Sheriff's Meadow Foundation. In Tucson, she volunteered for the Humanities Program where she also took classes. Beyond any of her local civic work, Phoebe was an enthusiastic supporter of Smith College over the years. Phoebe joined the Board of the Alumnae Association in 1978 and served as President of the Alumnae Association from 1983-1986. Phoebe co-directed the Smith College Travel Program from 1979-1983 and 1986-1989. She became a Member of the Board of Trustees from 1983-1989 and Chair of Trustees from 1989-1994. In 1996, Smith College honored Phoebe with the John M. Greene award for her years of service to the college. Phoebe was a lifelong learner. She had a passion for travel and had been all over the world. She worked as a travel agent for Odyssey International in Milwaukee and later for Smith College where she conducted over 40 trips visiting every continent but Antarctica. She was even in Egypt for the Arab Spring! Phoebe was a talented writer, writing poetry, sketches and other short pieces. She was a voracious reader with wide ranging interests. She also enjoyed walking, tennis and paddle tennis. A memorial service is planned for March 2 at 2PM at Immanuel Presbyterian Church 1100 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202. Memorial donations can be directed to any of the organizations Phoebe held dear.

Phoebe Reese Lewis

August 18, 1929 - January 26, 2024