Doreen “Dee” Lewis Smeriglio

It Is with deep love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dee, beloved mother and granny who left this world on December 2nd 2025 at the age of 74 .

Born October 4th 1951 in Danbury Hospital the eldest daughter to the late Stoughton and Dorothea (Shea) Lewis .

Dee was raised In Danbury CT attending St. Peter’s School in her younger years  where she would later send her children. She graduated from Danbury High School class of 1969 and continued her education at Henry Abbott Vocational School and Danbury Hospital where she received her nursing degree in 1970 . She worked in the nursing field in many different capacities over the next 40 years .

Dee devoted her life to caring for others- both in her career as a nurse and in the way she loved anyone she considered family . She had a rare and beautiful gift of making people feel safe , understood and cherished it was the foundation of who she was . As a nurse she cared for countless people with gentleness and strength, as a mother, family member and friend she poured that same devotion into every relationship she held dear .

She was an amazing mother and an even better granny nothing in this world meant more to her than that . Her greatest passion was the people she loved. Dee was the happiest being surrounded by family and  watching her amazing grandchildren grow she wanted all the moments big small and anything in between she wanted to be a part of it all. Dee was a force her warmth, laughter ,and her fierce love created a home where everyone always felt welcomed and valued .

Dee is survived by her daughter Lacey Barboza and her children Saeri Barboza and Camron Barboza all of Jewett City CT , step daughter Ruby Holmes and her daughter Tajanna Holmes Britton both of VA ,

Rebecca Rarogiewicz and her son Donovan Brown of Norwich CT , sister Kathleen Cavanaugh and her daughters Courtney Haynes and Keeley Cavanaugh of NC . Along with countless others she considered sisters , brothers, nieces, nephews and grans .

She is predeceased by her son Alexander Smeriglio ,the love of her life Lester Cain , her sister Cynthia Sebjan and her parents Stoughton and Dorothea (Shea) Lewis

Dee’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and the loved ones she leaves behind - each of whom carry a piece of her strength,her resilience and her boundless love.

Mom to many Granny to all!

Funeral Services

December 20 ,2025  12 pm

St. Patrick Cathedral

213 Broadway

Norwich CT 06360

A Celebration of Life to follow

Jewett City VFW

263 Taylor Hill Road

Jewett City CT 06351

1pm -4pm