Toni Arlene Lewis

Toni Arlene Lewis, 70, of Augusta, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022. A memorial service will be held this summer in Oregon. Toni was born on October 5, 1951, in Seattle, Washington to Charlie Puzzo and Margee (Hoyt) Hudson. After graduating high school and while raising her family as a single mom, she attended Knapp College and obtained her certification as a legal secretary. After her children were grown (mostly), she followed her true passion. She studied and worked hard and became an herbalist. Toni used these skills and passion for helping others. She successfully treated so many that she was affectionately called “Auntie Rescue.” Her other passion was caring for children and adults with special needs. She was such a champion for people with developmental disabilities that she felt called to open a group home for adults with the dual diagnoses of developmental disabilities with violent tendencies that were a challenge to find other placement for them. As a product of the 60s, she was a true flower child and hippie. Organizations weren’t her thing, but that didn’t stop her from leading the charge when she recognized a need or a cause that could use her help. For fun, she volunteered her services as an editor for fan fiction. You could frequently find her with a puzzle book or finding other ways to challenge herself. Toni was an avid reader and very well read. Her other hobbies included, continually educating herself on new and interesting topics. It wasn’t unusual for her to announce a new interest to try and some of these interests graduated into hobbies for her. For example, soap making or candy making. She loved all things about nature and prided herself on her flower garden, where she spent much of her time. Toni’s heart was in spending time with her 10 grandchildren. She shined in the kitchen teaching them to cook and bake. She was a faithful and loyal friend with her most precious friendships spanning a lifetime. Some of her most cherished friends include Terrie, Denise, Cheryl, and Gail to name a few, and countless others who loved her dearly. Toni – Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Friend you will be dearly missed. Some of her last words, “The Lord has me.” Until we meet again. She is survived by her daughters, Rachel Anne (Jesse Sr.) Hedrick and Cala Maynette Lewis; son, Joshua Daniel (Susan) Lewis; sisters, Suzi (Bud) Ledbetter, Annie (Dave) Duval, Dona (Dan) Ditton, and Melody Fawcett; brother, Lynn (Kim) Querry; 10 grandchildren, Greggory, Cassandra, Michael, Isabella, Kaitlin, Jesse Jr., Kenneth, Rebekah, Brianna, and Katy; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mom, Margee and brother, Robert.