Carol Marjorie Lewis

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 30, 1938, to Roy and Gertrude Diez, Carol graduated from Alvernia High School in 1955 and attended the University of Illinois. On May 10, 1958, she married Barry Richardson Lewis, with whom she shared 58 wonderful years until his passing in 2016. Together they built a life filled with adventure, love, and family.

Carol and Barry lived in Winnetka, Illinois, before moving to Sarasota in 1973 to pursue their passion for sailing. They purchased Longboat Marina and, in the mid-1980s, redeveloped it into the Boathouse on Longboat – a dry storage marina. In 1989, they opened the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, which became a popular local gathering place. After retiring from the restaurant business in 2000, they embarked on a new chapter in real estate, founding Dockside Realty.

Sailing remained at the heart of their lives. Carol and Barry raced competitively, founded the Suncoast Sailing Club, and were active members of the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. They organized San Juan 21 sailboat races across the region, earning numerous awards, and later joined the Sarasota Yacht Club, where they cultivated lasting friendships.

Carol had a special light about her and a presence that was larger than life. She loved bringing people together and was famous for hosting her annual holiday party, which welcomed guests of all ages. A true and authentic friend, she delighted in getting to know people and made everyone feel welcome as part of the family. Carol enjoyed spending time with friends, volunteering with Mother’s Helping Mothers, and celebrating life’s milestones with loved ones. Above all, she was devoted to her family—attending her children and grandchildren’s events, cheering their accomplishments, and holding them close. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was the glue that held the family together.

She is survived by her children Cindy (Eric), Allen (Jonna), Barry Jr. (Liz), Susan (Peter), and Andrew (Jennifer). Affectionately known as “Gram,” Carol cherished her 12 grandchildren—Jennifer, Stephanie, Danielle, Scott, Trip, Barry, Kristin, Kendal, Trey, Andrew, Victoria, and Amanda—and delighted in becoming a great-grandmother to Hannah, Eli, Zoe, Aelyn, Charlotte, Hudson, and Leo. Her greatest joy was watching them grow, thrive, and succeed.

Carol was preceded in death by her loving husband Barry, her beloved son Michael, her brother Roy, and her parents.

The Lewis family extends heartfelt gratitude to Amira Choice Memory Care for the love and compassion shown to Carol.

A celebration of Carol’s life will be held on Saturday, January 24, at Incarnation Catholic Church. Services will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Parkinson’s Place.