Gloria M. Lewis

Gloria DeFeo Kitto Lewis, age 90, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, was born on May 17, 1933 to the late Onofrio DeFeo and Grace DeFeo in Evanston, Illinois. On June 23, 1955, she married H. John Kitto who preceded her in death on September 29, 1969. She later married Ralph B. Lewis on September 11, 1982 who preceded her in death on January 28, 2011. She is survived by two sons, David (Aristides Gonzalez) Kitto of Washington, DC, Peter (Theresa) Kitto of Saline, Michigan, and two grandchildren, Michael Kitto and Andrew Kitto. A violinist, Gloria began her study of the instrument with the renewed George Perlman. She attended Northwestern University as a Music Major before beginning studies at The University of Michigan. There she earned two Master’s degrees, one in English and the other in Communication Studies, and later a Doctorate in English Language and Literature. She was a member of the English Department faculty, first at The University of Michigan-Flint, and later at Wayne State University. She centered her scholarly work on composition and interdisciplinary American arts study. Over the years she had been active as a recitalist, as well as an orchestral and chamber music player; for example she played in the Flint Symphony, the Saginaw Symphony, and the Flint Camerata. She was long time supporter of the arts. In Flint, she served on the Flint Institute of Arts Board and the Musical Performing Arts Association Board. In Ann Arbor, she served as Chair of the Ann Arbor Camerata’s Board. In addition, she was on the Executive Board of the SAI Music Sorority Ann Arbor Alumni, as well as a University Musical Society Ambassador. She sustained a Music Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor, and at Cross in the Woods in Indian River, Michigan. She continued that ministry when she annually visited Florence, Italy where she played in cathedrals, including her beloved Baslica de Santa Spirito. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor. Fr. Bill Ashbaugh as Celebrant. A Mass of the Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 A.M. Private burial will be held in Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gloria’s name may be made to re:classical 1606 Huron Street #970516, Ypsilanti, MI. 48197, or to the American Alzheimer’s Association. To sign her guestbook, to leave a memory, or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.

Tributes

Gloria M. Lewis

May 17, 1933 - November 22, 2023