Ellen Susan Lewis

Ellen Susan Lewis, age 77, peacefully passed away on March 11, 2026.

She was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and was the youngest of three children. Ellen graduated from Claymont High School in 1966.

She was the proud owner and operator of Britches and Bows Day Care, where she cared for countless children from the 1980s through the early 2000s.

Ellen loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and also enjoyed taking cruises. For many years, she hosted family vacations in Wildwood every summer. She cherished her animals, collected Snowbabies, and always enjoyed reading a good book.

Ellen had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing in the car. Music was always playing in the house, and she taught her children to dance—doing the bump in the 1970s was especially fun. Her home was always filled with music, laughter, and people stopping by. You could often find her dancing at the Hideaway, enjoying the music and the company of friends, or having lunch at Woolworth’s in the Concord Mall, where her friend Nellie waitressed.

She was also well known for her homemade meatballs and sauce at Sunday dinners, where everyone in the neighborhood was always welcome.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Margaret T. Graham and Albert R. Graham, and her biological father, John W. Dill Jr.; her sister, Margaret M. Lindsay; her ex-husband, Bill Lewis; her partner, Salvator Rinaldi; her son, William B. Lewis, Sr.; and her granddaughter, Logan Nicole Lewis.

She is survived by her children, Kim Rachiele (Tony), Matthew Lewis (Carol), and Teresa Rinaldi; her grandchildren, Sara, Billy, Jr., Michael, Emily, Anthony, Lilly, and Mason; her great-grandchildren, Alexandra, William, and Aiden; her brother, Albert Graham (Beth); and many nieces and nephews.

Ellen will be remembered for her dedication, strong spirit, and the love she shared with family, friends, and all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

A viewing will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Nichols - Gilmore Funeral Home. 212 East Justis Street Newport, DE 19804. A graveside service and burial will follow at Noon at Cathedral Cemetery, 2400 Lancaster Avenue Wilmington, DE 19805.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to assist with the funeral expenses at this link: https://app.fluidpay.com/spp/lewis