Mary’s life began on May 15, 1929, in Watervliet, the daughter of Charles Sawalk and Rose Alexis. She was raised by John Augusta and Rose Alexis.

She graduated from Watervliet High School.

Mary was united in marriage to James Lewis.

She was a homemaker and a member of the Pokagon Band of  Potawatomi Indians.
Her  family includes: her husband, James Lewis; her 11 children, Michael Lewis of Dowagiac, John (Janet)  Pokagon of Hartford, James Lewis of Dowagiac, Rick Lewis of Dowagiac, Dawn (Shane) Rummage of Phoenix, Ariz., Gail Williams of Benton Harbor, William Lewis of Dowagiac, Gerry Lewis of Benton Harbor, Carol Lewis of Benton Harbor, Dean Lewis of Benton Harbor and Dale Lewis of Benton Harbor; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and two sisters, Margaret (Daniel) Rapp of Dowagiac and Judy Augusta of Dowagiac.

Mary passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.

She is preceded in death by her brother, William Augusta, and sister, Patricia Wattles.
Her family will gather with friends on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where the rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m. by Father Patrick Craig at Sacred Heart of Mary (Silver Creek) Catholic Church.

Mary will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery following the services. Please sign her memory book and leave a message for the family at www.yazel-clark.com.