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Opal Eileen Lewis

Opal Eileen Lewis, 81, a resident of Springfield, formerly of Waggoner, died at 9:09 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at St. John's Hospital.

Opal was born on June 22, 1925 in Waggoner, the daughter of Harry H. and Grace L. Watson Wagner. She married Richard Lewis on April 18, 1953 in Springfield; he preceded her in death in 1988. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sherrie Lewis in 1964.

She graduated from Waggoner High School and St. John's School of Nursing. She then worked in the tuberculosis units at St. John's Hospital. Opal was a member of the First Christian Church.

After her son, Harry was born; Opal became a full-time mother and stayed at home until 1968, when she returned to St. John's Hospital. She worked nights for almost twenty years as a registered nurse on the 7th and 8th floors until her retirement in 1986.

Opal loved her grandchildren and made extensive scrapbooks for each one of them. She was able to live independently in her final years with the much-appreciated assistance of a close network of friends.

She was on dialysis for the past seven years. She developed a close relationship with the staff and fellow patients, where she had a smile for everyone. She called her dialysis days ``going to work'' days, which allowed her to continue her gift of caring for all.

Opal was a very warm person, who reached out to those around her, whether it was dialysis, the hospital, and the neighborhood.

Opal is survived by one son, Harry (wife, Shelly) Lewis of Chatham; four grandchildren: Brittany Eileen, Ashley, Kailey and Jeremy Lewis all of Chatham; two nieces: Gloria Jean ``Jeannie'' (husband, Herman) Gansz of Brighton, Illinois and Pam (husband, Larry) McAfee of Shipman, Illinois and several great-nieces and nephews.

Cremation accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.

The family welcomes friends to visit for a Memorial Gathering from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 29th, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.

Memorial Ceremonies will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 30th, 2007 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, with Rev. Wesley Osborn officiating.

Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's College Nursing Department, 421 N. Ninth St. Springfield, IL 62702 or Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Rd., Chatham, Illinois 62629.