Mary Ann Lewis, a longtime summer resident of Vineyard Haven, died of cancer at her home in Baltimore on Jan. 13. She was 79.

Mary Ann Glasgo was raised in Jeromesville, Ohio and was a graduate of Jeromesville High School, where she was the homecoming queen. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1960 from Oberlin College, and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling in 1966 from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where she met her future husband Edwin (Gus) Lewis.

From 1960 to 1964 she taught physical education at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Ill. One of her students there, Polly Brown, is a Vineyard resident and longtime friend. After receiving her master’s degree Mary Ann was employed as a social worker for Project Head Start in Chicago.

She was married in 1968 to Gus Lewis, and came with him to the Vineyard every summer, staying in their house on North Main street. The couple moved in 1980 to Roland Park in Baltimore, Md. Mary Ann taught as a substitute at Roland Park Elementary-Middle School and Friends School before teaching science at Roland Park Country School from 1984 until 1988, when she retired.

She was an active church member, took classes on music history and other subjects, and participated in book clubs. For many years she and a friend volunteered at New Song Academy in the Sandtown community of Baltimore, introducing nature topics to second grade students.

Mary Ann loved coming to Martha’s Vineyard, and had many close friends there. She especially liked taking advantage of the Island’s many scenic walks, and enjoyed discovering new trails. In fact, she would try any new experience. She enjoyed watching birds and animals and collected shells and rocks from the beach. She loved watching sunsets off West Chop and stargazing at night. She looked forward to blueberry picking, and enjoyed sailing with Gus and others (under good conditions).

The Lewises have been members of Grace Episcopal Church, went to many chamber music concerts, and enjoyed many plays at the Vineyard Playhouse. Mary Ann enjoyed going to galleries and relished the fine food of the Island, from the farmers’ market to fresh seafood to an occasional splurge at a favorite restaurant. She loved showing the Island to friends and relatives.

With her big smile, enthusiasm, and frequent laugh, she made friends easily and enjoyed making people happy. She is greatly missed by her family and many, many friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by their daughter, Catherine (Kate) Lewis Kenedi of Auckland, New Zealand; their son, Walker Lewis of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a sister, Judy Grove of DeGraff, Ohio; and two grandchildren.