Carol Ann Lewark

Carol Ann (Meads) Lewark, 87, of Fort Wayne passed away at home on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Born in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Elizabeth (Arthur) Meads. She was a proud 1953 graduate of South Side High School where she was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004. She was equally proud of her degree from Saint Mary-of-the Woods College. In the early 1960s she was the Allen County Mother’s March chair for the March of Dimes, a prelude to her long career at Easter Seals ARC of NE IN where she worked from 1971 to 2021. Retiring as Senior Vice President, she continued to work with families facing difficulties. During her tenure at ARC she worked tirelessly for “her families” advocating in the 1970s to ensure that young children with disabilities could be enrolled in community preschool programs. She was asked to present this novel inclusive model of education in conferences all over the country and the US VI. Under her direction, the first licensed childcare program in IN for young children with severe disabilities was opened. Carol served in a leadership role in the development of the First Steps program and was chair of the Step Ahead and First Steps Council in Allen County. She was appointed by Gov. Bayh to the Indiana Interagency Council for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. The mayor appointed her to the Community Development Block Grant Program which she chaired for two years. Her home was open to all; she fiercely loved her nieces and nephews and loved being the Nana and Great Nana to her 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and could burst into song at any moment. Vacations on Temagami Island NY, St Augustine, and researching her Welsh heritage brought her much joy, particularly bringing the Bangor Male Voice Choir to the states in 2006.

Surviving is her husband of 67 years, Paul; children David (Terri) Lewark, Laura (Tod) Ramsey, Elizabeth (Kevin) Lovejoy, and Daniel (Kristi) Lewark. She was preceded in death by infant brother, Lloyd Meads; sister, Jean Bowser; and her dear cousin/sister, Marna Powell. A lifelong member of Plymouth Congregational Church, a celebration of life will take place at a later date. Preferred memorials are to the South Side High School Alumni Foundation. Arrangements by D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave, Fort Wayne. Carol Lewark’s celebration of life to be held, Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the American Legion Post 47, 601 Reed Road Fort Wayne, IN. Christian Service at 2:00 for all family and friends ending approximately 2:20 followed by the celebration of life.