Marie Skellie Lewis

Rupert, VT - Marie Skellie Lewis, age 85 passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026 surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was born on May 8, 1940, and lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep love and faithful service to others. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, William “Ed” Lewis, her beloved daughter Ruth and her parents Frank and Evelyn Darfler. While her family feels this loss deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with those she loved and is at peace. 

Marie is survived by her sister Joyce Wilbourn, her children: Cindy (David) Hosley, Frank (Tammy) Lewis, George (Kelli) Lewis, and Jimmy Joe (Kelly) Lewis. She was the heart of a growing family, lovingly known as Grandma to 11 grandchildren and GiGi, to 21 great-grandchildren.

Marie was not one for long conversations, but her love was shown clearly by her actions. She taught by example-whether patiently teaching someone how to drive a stick shift, spending long days farming and canning more maple syrup than anyone thought possible. Marie found happiness in the simple, meaningful things-working the land she loved. She was an avid gardener and made the best canned stewed tomatoes. She was the mender of her family’s boo boo’s and clothing. She could mend anything, but would never “patch over a patch”. Marie taught her daughters and granddaughters how to sew along with many other 4-H kids. She was also a 50- year member of Mount Anthony Grange.

Her kitchen held its own kind of magic, even if it occasionally included salt instead of sugar in the pancake batter. Marie was not wasteful, if there were leftovers from supper, they found their way into something for breakfast. She will always be remembered for the best chocolate cake topped with maple frosting that tasted like home.

She was a steadfast supporter of her community, serving quietly and faithfully, never seeking recognition. If someone was in need, Marie was there, often without a word, but always with a helping hand. Marie would often be seen mowing the firehouse lawn and making maple milk shakes and maple cotton candy for years at Rupert Old Home Days. Over the years, Marie and Ed gave many young people a place to live and values to live by. 

Above all, Marie will be remembered for her deep love of family, her gentle and quiet ways, and her selfless heart.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 4-7 pm at McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem, NY and funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1 pm at the Rupert United Methodist Church with a reception immediately following at the Rupert Firehouse. Burial will take place in the spring at the family’s discretion.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to RUMC, P.O. Box 40, West Rupert, VT 05776 or VT State Grange, 119 South St, Middletown Springs, VT 05757.

To express sympathy or share a memory of Marie, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

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