Mary Elinor (Lewis) Branson

Mary Elinor Lewis Branson died December 15, 2022 at the age of 97. Born June 8, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Walter O Lewis and Olive Beldon Lewis.

Mary graduated from Shortridge High School in 1943, and from Indiana University in 1947. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honorary. Mary married Robert Branson on June 8, 1947. He died on December 28, 2009, after 62 ½ years of marriage.

Mrs. Branson was an art teacher in the Indianapolis Public School for 15 years. Following her retirement, she painted portraits in oils and pastels.

Mrs. Branson was a 71-year member of All Souls Unitarian Church, where she served eight years as the Religious Education Director, and two years as President of the congregation.  She was a girl scout leader, and served on the board of Planned Parenthood for 8 years. She led a Memoirs writing group at All Souls Church, which met continuously from 1999 to 2020.  During that time, she wrote 6 books of personal memoirs and a 50 year history of her marriage.

Her older brother, Frank Marshall Lewis preceded her in death in March 2001.

Survivors include daughters, Kathleen (Bill) Hillegas, Sara (Brian) Primeau, Elizabeth (John) Crawford and Mary Branson (Terry Leyenberger); 9 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service in her honor will be held at 1pm on April 1, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church, 5805 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her honor may be made to Planned Parenthood .

Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting www.arnmortuary.com.