Cover photo for Irma Mae Lewis's Obituary
Irma Mae Lewis Profile Photo

Irma Mae Lewis

July 4, 1929 — April 16, 2021

Irma Mae Lewis

Irma Mae Lewis (nee Otte), 91, went home to The Lord April 16, 2021. Born on the 4th of July, 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Loving Mother to Karen, Janet Hagins, Dan (Jane Johnson), Carolyn Cocchiarale. Beloved Grandmother of Carly Hagins. Dear sister to Mae Gilkey. Preceded in death by her parents Anthony & Adele Otte (nee Nieman); husband William Edward Lewis; daughter Linda Ranz; sons-in-law Edward Hagins, Guy Cocchiarale; siblings Adele Holtkamp, Anthony, Elizabeth Tedtman, Raymond, Carl.

Irma was a graduate of The Art Academy of Cincinnati and was a life-long teacher and prolific master of oil painting. She began her career working in an engraving studio and as a fashion illustrator for Pogue's Department store in the 1950s. She impacted the lives of many teaching oil painting at Lewis Art Studio in Monfort Heights. After the death of her husband in 1980 Irma enrolled at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and was commissioned as a Lay Pastoral Minister. She then joined the staff at her home parish, St. Ignatius of Loyola. Her influence was immense as she specialized in liturgy planning, bereavement support, Christ Renews His Parish retreats, led the team that created magnificent liturgical art and founded the drama club that evolved into the local theatre company, Show Biz Players. Irma also held the position of LPM at Guardian Angels Parish.  After retiring from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati she returned to teaching oil painting, enhancing the lives of senior residents at Twin Towers and Twin Lakes for many years until she reached the age of 88. Irma was a strong woman—always striving to break new ground, a true leader, creative thinker and wonderful Mother. She served God in many ways throughout her life consistently seeking to enrich the lives of her children and everyone she met.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday April 22nd at 11 am St. Ignatius of Loyola, 5222 North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio. Interment at New St. Joseph Cemetery. 

Instead of sending flowers, the family would appreciate if guests would consider making a contribution to Saint Ignatius Church  https://sainti.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/Offering/donate or by clicking the Donations link at the bottom of the page.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Irma Mae Lewis, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Mass of Christian Burial

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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