Joan Widder Lewis, 76, of Haverhill, died Tuesday night at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Haverhill, Dec. 8, 1938, daughter of the late John O. and Elthea (Spear) Widder. Lewis graduated from Haverhill High School and earned her bachelor’s in Nursing from the former Burbank Hospital School of Nursing, now part of Fitchburg State College. She later also earned bachelor’s and master’s Degrees from Lesley University, Cambridge. For more than 20 years she was employed as a psychiatric nurse for Home Health VNA, and for the past 20 years maintained a private practice as a counseling psychotherapist. An avid golfer, she was a longtime member of Haverhill Golf and Country Club and also enjoyed running and tennis.
She is survived by her daughter Alison L. Opolski and her husband Joseph of Haverhill; three sons, Dr. D. Palmer Lewis Jr. and his wife Janet of Haverhill, Cabot J. Lewis and his wife Kristin of Andover and Jonathan F. Lewis and his partner Matt Boethin of New York City; her sister, Diane Anderson, of Glen, N.H.; seven grandchildren, Benjamin and William Lewis, Stephanie, Kathryn and Emily Opolski, and Caroline and Cabot Lewis; and several nieces and nephews. Lewis is also survived by her former husband, Dr. Donald P. Lewis of Haverhill. Lewis was predeceased by her brother, the late Roger Widder.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her calling hours Friday, Nov. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Her Funeral mass will be Saturday morning, Nov. 14, at 11, Sacred Hearts Church, Bradford. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in her memory may be made to Home Health VNA, 360 Merrimack St., Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843.