IN MEMORIAM: Ann Lewis Enright, 79;

Nurse Played Key Roles At Fox, Bassett

ONEONTA — Ann Lewis Enright, 79, Fox Hospital’s former director of nursing services and a nurse anesthetist at Bassett Hospital for 20 years,  passed away on Dec. 1, 2019, with her loving husband, Dennis, by her side.

Ann was born on June 26, 1940, in Bainbridge, the daughter of Randolph and Helen Foote Lewis. She graduated from Bainbridge High School in 1958.

After graduating, Ann attended the nursing program at C.S. Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Johnson City. Upon graduation in 1961, Ann was presented with the Medical Nursing Award and became a registered nurse after successfully passing the New York State Professional Licensing Exam.

Ann worked as an assistant head nurse at Wilson Hospital from 1961 to 1965, then accepted a nursing position at Sidney Hospital, where her grandfather, Frank Lewis, along with her father and uncle, played instrumental roles in building the hospital and other significant area landmarks.

In 1967, Ann applied to the Albany Medical Center nurse anesthesia program. In 1969, she graduated and was honored with the Director’s Award for Proficiency, achieving National Board Certification from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

While at Albany Medical, Ann met the love of her life, Dennis, a classmate. They married on Oct. 18, 1969, in the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the Church of St. Vincent DePaul in Albany. They celebrated their 50th year of marriage in October receiving a papal blessing to commemorate their commitment to each other and their family.

In 1970, Ann worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist as well as a co-manager of the Respiratory Therapy Department in Kingston, at Benedictine Hospital.

In 1972, the Enrights moved to Oneonta. Ann took a position as evening supervisor at Fox Hospital, rising to director of nursing services. In 1979, she took a position as a nurse anesthetist at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown where she stayed through 1999, transferring to Oneonta Surgical Services, where she retired at the age of 69.

Ann’s profession was her passion. She was highly respected by patients and their families, physicians and nurses alike and well-known for her patient advocacy.

After retirement, Ann and Dennis became Eucharistic Ministers at St. Mary’s Church and at Fox Nursing Home. She volunteered her time through the church on various committees and at the food pantry. In 2013, Ann was a recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation by the Diocesan Woman’s Commission of Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany for serving her community on behalf of her church.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Elmer and Leona Enright; a cousin, Robert Stark, and lifelong friends, Karen and Ron Brzenk and Margaret Delello Robbins.
Ann’s other life passion was her family.

In addition to her husband, Ann leaves behind three children and their spouses, Michael (Amy), Elizabeth and Sean (Annette); and three grandchildren, Connor, Emersen and Ronan. She is survived by four siblings, sisters, Mary Budine, Cindy Advice and Kate Lewis, brother, Robert Lewis; and nephews, Jeff, Marc and Scott Budine and their families. Besides being beloved mother and Nana, Ann enjoyed cooking, baking, reading and birding.

There will be no calling hours per Ann’s request.

A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with Father David William Mickiewicz as celebrant. A reception will follow at the Parish Center.

Memorial contributions in Ann’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, c/o St. Mary’s Rectory, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Interment will be in the spring in Mount Calvary Cemetery in Emmons.

Arrangements are by Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. in Oneonta, www.lhpfuneralhome.com.