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ATHENS -- Constance Jean Lewis, 80, died peacefully at home Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, after a battle with cancer. She is now reunited with her husband, John, with whom she shared nearly 50 years of marriage.
She was born Oct. 12, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Dominic and Clementine Simone. The oldest of three children, she was raised in Youngstown and graduated from The Rayen School in 1963. She attended the Youngstown Hospital Association School of Nursing, where she completed her nursing training and became a registered nurse. She later continued her education at Kent State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
Her first nursing job was at Northside Hospital in Youngstown. It became the place where she built her career; she remained there until her retirement. While she held a few other roles during her time there, she spent the majority of her career in obstetrics, caring for mothers, babies and families during some of the most memorable moments of their lives.
Outside of work, the most important part of her life was the family she built with John. The two met at a friend's party, where, as the family story goes, they connected over a salami sandwich, and he asked for her phone number. They married June 2, 1973, and in 1977 bought the home where they raised their three children and built a life together.
Family was always at the center of her life. She spent countless hours making sure her children got to soccer games, practices and other activities, and she worked the night shift so she could be present for the moments that mattered to them. She volunteered with their teams as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout mom and was a steady presence throughout their childhoods.
She enjoyed traveling and especially looked forward to family trips to the beach, which became a treasured tradition over the years. She and John also took many road trips to visit children and grandchildren living in other parts of the country, creating memories together along the way.
She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, and her Catholic faith remained an important part of her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Dominic and Clementine Simone; and her brother, John Simone.
She is survived by her sister, Dorothy; her children, Chris (Andrea) Lewis of Athens, Ohio, Jennifer (Robb) Bright of Lubbock, Texas, and Josh Lewis of Centreville, Virginia; her niece, Tara (Frank) McAlanon of Florida; her nephew, Matthew (Natalie) Stroble of California; six grandchildren, Emma, Andrew, Annie, Adrienne, Gigi and Luci; her great-nephew, Cade; and three bonus grandchildren, Danielle, Gabby and Joshua, and their families
Her family is especially grateful for the circle of friends who surrounded her with love and support during the final years of her life. Their visits, companionship, help with appointments and countless acts of kindness meant more than words can express and provided comfort and support when it was needed most.
The family also extends its heartfelt gratitude to HomeReach Hospice of Athens for the extraordinary compassion, care and support provided to her and her family.
A Catholic funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Burial will follow in Crown Hill Burial Park.
She will be remembered for her devotion to family, a lifetime spent caring for others and the many ordinary moments that became extraordinary memories for those who loved her.
Family and friends may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
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