Renee Jeanne (McAdams) Lewis

Lewis, Renee Jeanne (McAdams) age 53, of Howell, Michigan passed away on Wednesday November 20, 2024, at University of Washington Montlake Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Renee was born in Dayton, Ohio on May 19, 1971, to Michael J. McAdams, Jr. and Lelia M. (Schmidt) McAdams. She attended Centerville Ohio schools (Normandy, Watts and CHS) through 10th grade, moved with her family to New Jersey, and graduated from Randolph High School (Randolph, NJ) in 1989. Renee returned to her hometown to attend the University of Dayton and graduated from UD in 1993. 

Renee married James H. Lewis II on November 15, 2003, in Detroit, Michigan. James called Renee “mo anamcara” (my soul friend in Gaelic) and she knew this was true. Their home in Michigan was always a welcome gathering place for many, with the garage door open and food to share on the kitchen counter. 

Renee was a proud UD Flyer alumnus, as are her parents and aunt Laura, and was thrilled when her nephew Simeon became a UD freshman this year. She said she found her vocation (event planning & execution) when she was the UD Christmas on Campus Chair. Renee’s career spanned many organizations, including the Olympics, Maritz Travel, American Concrete Institute, Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Infinity Management Group (her company with James), Howell Balloon Fest and Oceantic Network. She enjoyed bringing people together to share ideas and common objectives, being a leader and especially a mentor and friend. 

Renee is survived by her husband James, her parents, her brother Michael J. (Jill) McAdams III, and nephews Simeon and Caleb. She is also survived by James’ sister Rebekah (Pete) Brincefield and their children Brett, Ryan, Autumn and Dakota. Renee will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues and her beloved chihuahua, Quinn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am Friday December 6, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Dayton OH). A graveside service will be held in the chapel at Woodland Cemetery at 11:30am. Family and friends are invited to gather at Marion’s South Piazza at 711 Shroyer Rd. (937-293-6991) in Oakwood at 2pm. https://www.marionspiazza.com/locations/ . All are also invited to attend the tree lighting at Christmas on Campus at the University of Dayton at 5:30pm.