Anne Elizabeth Lewis

Anne Elizabeth Lewis (Annie), age 52, formerly of Aspen, died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008.

Annie is survived by her husband, Mark Pullano of East Lansing; sons, Gregg Pullano, 18, and Max Pullano, 15; parents, Mary and Roger Lewis of East Lansing; sister, Emily Lewis of Dublin, Ohio; and brother, Gregg Lewis of Boise, Idaho.

Annie was born in Detroit on Oct. 24, 1956. Her childhood was spent in Grand Rapids, Mich., where she graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1974. Annie’s adventurous spirit took her west to Aspen in January of 1976. Between 1976 and 1979, Annie worked at the Bell Mountain Lodge, the Shaft Restaurant, Aspen Highlands and also as an aide at Aspen Valley Hospital. While employed as an aide in the Aspen hospital, Annie developed an interest in nursing as a career.

In 1979, she earned a degree as a registered nurse at Mesa College in Grand Junction, then returned to Aspen for several more years, where she worked at Aspen Valley Hospital. After a few years at the hospital, Annie moved on to other nursing positions in Idaho, Maine and Lansing’s Sparrow and Ingham Regional Hospitals in Michigan.

While in Aspen, Annie became an avid skier, and served as a member of the ski patrol at Buttermilk. Cycling also became an enduring passion. She conducted several youth group cycling tours in the U.S. and Canada, as a diversion from nursing. Another adventure was an independent summer cycling tour in England. Back in Lansing, Annie met her husband, Mark, through their mutual interest in cycling.

After the birth of the children Annie devoted herself to her family, combined with extensive work as a community volunteer and fund raiser for the East Lansing Public Schools and for autism awareness, study and treatment. Annie became known as a voice for those with special needs. Annie’s service to others was best illustrated by her selfless devotion to her father as his advocate, case manager and medical advisor through several critical illnesses. Annie also served many others in the same way.

Annie is remembered by many friends for her wonderful sense of humor, her unceasing battle against injustice and intolerance, her love of flowers, bright colors, and all beautiful things, her lovely singing voice, and above all, her heartfelt generosity, will be a comfort to all whose lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, Mark and the family will appreciate your kind thoughts and remembrance of Annie. Funeral arrangements were made by Chapel In The Pines Funeral Home, Lansing, Mich.