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Local Business Woman Passes Away

December 23rd, 2013 by WCBC Radio

Ora Mae (Robertson) Lewis passed away at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center on
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013, at age 94.

In 1955, Ora Mae was called to American Heart Association as Executive Director of the Western Maryland Chapter.
Under her guidance, the young heart association pioneered many programs for the local community especially: the
cardiac diagnostic center under leadership of Peter Halmos, MD, CPR training for physicians, nurses, emergency
personnel and the general public, rheumatic fever prevention and control program, fire side chats for physicians,
professional and public education, blood pressure measurement and control program, annual cardiac nursing seminars,
annual physician cardiac services, and sickness and oxygen equipment loan.

Ora Mae lived and loved her professional and patient relationships and was extremely active at the state, regional, and
national level of American Heart. 

Locally Ora Mae served her community throughout her life. She was Chairman of Governor’s Physical Fitness of
Allegany County for many years, and was inducted into the Physical Fitness Hall of Fame by Governor Schaffer. She
was a member of Sacred Heart Hospital nurses alumnae serving as secretary for 10 years, a member of the advisory
board, Allegany County Public Health Department serving as past chairman, a member of emergency medical services
Region 11. She counseled and worked with Dr. Halmos in the granting of electrocardiology for emergency medical
personnel comprehensive CPR for rescue personnel and public in Allegany and Garrett Counties. 

Ora Mae held life memberships in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, receiving Order of the Rose in 1963 and the honor “Girl of
the Year in 1957”. She was elected to Who’s Who of American Women in 1962. She is currently a member of
Cumberland Rotary Club, serving as historian and recently received the Paul Harris Award.
Ora Mae completed 32 years with American Heart in 1986. Finding life in retirement was not for her, she decided to try
her hand in the retail field. In 1986, she formed the W. C. Lewis Inc. and purchased Ankeney’s Office Supply in
downtown Cumberland.

Friends will be received at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013
from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, (www.scarpellifh.com) on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Harold R. McClay Jr. officiating.
Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park’s mausoleum

 

 

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