Miyo Tomari Lewis

COLEBROOK – Miyo Tomari Lewis, 88, of Colebrook, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, September 14, 2024, at her home with daughter Sophia (and Tom) by her side. She was born on October 10, 1935, to the late Matsu and Kana (Tomori) Tomari on the island of Miyako, Japan. She met Charles Jarvis Lewis Jr., an Army soldier from Colebrook who was stationed in Okinawa, and married him in 1960. Their love changed their lives in so many wonderful ways. Miyo had 4 children in which two were lost in delivery. She was a devoted wife and was blessed with a family that she put first, even before herself. She traveled the world with her husband and young family to various duty stations, both in the U.S. and overseas. The Lewis family then returned to Colebrook where she lived for over 50 years. Miyo was proud to become a very patriotic U.S. citizen and attended every Memorial Day and 4th of July parade in town, always standing and putting her hand on her heart as the flag would go by her. She loved to garden and to be among her many flower beds. She was nicknamed the Flower Lady in town. She also loved the music of Elvis and enjoyed listening to the Okinawan music alongside of the hamachidori dance. She could speak 4 languages of which two were the distinct old dialect from Miyako and Okinawa. Miyo may not have the public accolades as a lot of people have, however, she was the support for Jarvis and her daughters in all their accomplishments, because without her holding the home, raising two daughters, and giving support to her grand and great-grandchildren, the freedom to pursue their dreams would not have been theirs. She loved playing basketball, badminton, tennis, and card games of rummy, cribbage and Chinese checkers with her grandchildren. In her later years she saw all her great-grandchildren on FaceTime or in person when they would visit. They all loved their Mamu so very much and she will be GREATLY missed by all the lives she touched. She is survived by her two daughters, Tami Lynda Lewis (Bruce) of Hickory, NC, and Sophia Kana Lewis (Tom) of White River Junction, VT; five grandchildren: Christopher (Jessica) Carbee, Spencer (Kaitlyn) Lewis, Alexander (Channing) DeZayas Jr., Abigail (Kenneth) Acosta, and Preston Lewis were the apple of her eye; and five great-grandchildren: Alicia Carbee, Eloise Lewis, Alexandar DeZayas III, Julian Lewis, and Kayden Brown. She also is survived by many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, Jarvis, in 2018. She is also the last survivor of her family with her brothers Hiroshi, Shoketchi, Kanegama, and sisters Kamura, Kabu, Matsuko, and Yoshi all passing before her. There are no public calling hours. A graveside interment service will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Condolences may be offered on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com.

Miyo Tomari Lewis

October 10, 1935 - September 14, 2024