Effie was born on August 3, 1929, in Conneaut, the daughter of Peter and Mary Del Vecchio Gurto. She graduated from Conneaut High School and married her late husband, William D. “Bill” Lewis on Oct. 21, 1948.
Along with her sister, Rosie Speer, she was CO-owner of the former “Rose’s Pizza Shop” in Conneaut. Effie was a babysitter for 17 years. She also lived in Ococee, Fla., for 22 years and returned to Conneaut.
Effie was a member of St. Mary/ St. Frances Cabrini Parish.
She enjoyed needlepoint, crocheting and baby-sitting. She also enjoyed baking and cooking Italian food, and especially loved her house and taking care of her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William D. “Bill” Lewis; sisters, Rose Speer, Susie Petrovski, Mary Moneypenny, and infant sisters, Mary Gurto and Filmenia Gurto; and brothers, James Gurto, Christy Gurto, Anthony Gurto, Frank Gurto, and Joseph Gurto.
Effie is survived by her son, Johnny A. and Pam Lewis of Ocoee, Fla.; grandchildren, Emilee Lewis of Ocoee, Fla., and Johnny A. Lewis II; great-grandson, Johnny Lewis III of Conneaut; great-great grandson, Dominic; brother, Pat and Gayle Gurto of Conneaut; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held TODAY, Tuesday, July 16th, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the RAISIAN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 581 Harbor St., Conneaut.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Effie’s memory.
View the obituary and sign the guestbook at www.raisianfuneralhome.com and starbeacon.com.