1950 ~ 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Joan Devitt Lewis passed away on June 12, 2025, after a long struggle with several physical ailments. Joan made her debut on April 24, 1950, the daughter of Russell and Helen Devey Devitt. She graduated from South High School in 1968 as the Sterling Scholar in music. Next, she attended the University of Utah, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in both English and education. She would eventually earn a Master’s degree in education from Westminster College. In lieu of majoring in music, she married a musician, Tom Lewis. Tom and Joan were married on Nov. 23, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple. Both had long teaching careers.
Joan spent her happiest years at her beloved Valley High School, where she taught English and, along with her colleagues, pioneered an innovative alternative educational setting. Countless numbers of students were able to graduate because she believed in the worth of each individual student. Many times, her children met former students who always say, “I wouldn’t have graduated if it weren’t for Joan.” Joan continued a family tradition of teaching, and that legacy has continued with her children and grandchildren, furthering her influence for generations to come.
Joan’s favorite pastime was being with her family. When everyone was together she didn’t want to miss a moment. She would try her darndest to be a part of each conversation, even if there were several going on at the same time. Being “Granny” was her pride and joy. If it had been too long between visits she would call and say how her arms ached for her grandchildren. Joan loved to sing and enjoyed loaning her voice to the Valley High graduations and the ward choir. She loved the outdoors, spending much of her free time in the mountains relaxing next to a stream or a campfire. One of her favorite hobbies was shopping. She was a pro at finding a good deal on whatever she was looking for, and then returning it.
The family expresses deep appreciation to Sunrise of Sandy for the loving care they gave Joan the last 18 months of her life.
Joan is survived by her husband Tom Lewis, children Shalisse Lewis Johnstun (Joseph), and Michael Lewis (Devon); grandchildren Sally (Lindsey), Zina, and Cástille Johnstun, and Violet and Ronin Lewis; her brother Robert Devitt (LaRee), sister Peggy Devitt, brother-in-law Jim Lewis (Shannon); nieces and nephews Melissa Smart, Robert Devitt, Bonnie Diaz, Natalie Devitt, Daniel Lewis, Kristy Lewis, and Laura Gustafson. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, mother- and father-in-law, sister Dorothy, and nephew Matthew.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sandy Canyon View Stake Center (9119 S 1300 E). The funeral will be at the same location on Wednesday, June 18, at 11:30 a.m., followed by interment in the Memorial Holladay Cemetery.
To view a recording of the service, please click on the blue tab above that says "Watch Service".
Joan and I shared a love of music. She was Primary chorister when I was 12 and called to play the piano for Junior Primary as soon as I was in Young Women. She included me in planning for the Primary Program.
I also know of her work at Valley High when I was also a teacher. Joan lived a good life and influenced many who have been changed for good.
I met Joan while she was living at Sunrise Senior Living. At first, I didn’t really know her that well I’d just say hi every now and then. But one day, I decided to ask her about herself. I asked what she did for a living, and she told me she was a teacher.
I was curious where she taught, so I asked her. She said she had taught at a few different schools, and one of them was Valley High School. When she said that, it really stood out to me because I went to that school. I asked her what she taught, and we talked for a little bit.
That’s when I found out Joan was actually one of the founders of Valley High! She told me the story about how she and a couple of other teachers realized that some students needed a different kind of learning environment. So they decided to make a change, and that’s how Valley High School started.
That story really stuck with me. School was always hard for me, but when I got to high school and went to Valley, things finally started to feel right. The school was great, the teachers were supportive, and I ended up graduating.
Honestly, I never thought I’d be able to finish high school, let alone be where I am now. If it wasn’t for Joan and the work she did to help students like me, I don’t know where I’d be.
Joan will always have a special place in my heart. I’ll always remember that if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. she will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
- love Colby
Joan made such an impact to the students of Valley High. I absolutely adored her and will be forever grateful for the path she helped lead me down when other schools and teachers would have just given up.
Sending condolences to her family.
Hi Tom
Sorry for the lost of your beloved and amazing wife, I was expecting the news when I left sunrise for just a month. I was looking forward to co.e and visit her and somehow I got the news she pass. I felt bad because I still remember to stop by when I told her I will someday on my last day giving her a nice shower, fixing her hair, take her to meals, h3lping her get in the car and putting her in bed for nap time. I will forever miss her and pls do send my love to her. I was hoping to be there at her final day but saddened I'm not able to make it. I love you Tom and the family. May Joan Lewis forever rest in peace and much loves. Prayers are with you for the passing of your lovely wife. You have done a great care and I'm sorry if they haven't done a great care for your loving wife when I left.
Respectfully and always Laga
I am so sorry for your loss, I know Tom from our support group, hopefully you and Coda can help each other through this,
Joan touched so many of our hearts deeply.Every night she would dash home from Valley to have dinner with all of you and then back to teaching she would be each night still full of enthusiasm and energy .Joan was an incredible teacher and she saw the strength even though at times they were hidden in every student she met as well as us grown ups.I loved hearing her talk about Tom,Shalise ,and Michael’s daily events and moments as she called them .I will always cherish our friendship and never forget Joan’s warmth and her adorable sense of humor .
Tom,
Please forgive me for missing Joan’s memorial.
Know that I respected and loved her. Her time at Valley HS was just a small example of her big heart and amazing people skills.
My love to you and your family.