Polly Ann Lewis

Polly Ann (Burgess) Lewis, born August 31, 1947, in Arbyrd, Missouri, passed away surrounded by love and legacy on February 2, 2026. She was the daughter of Leland Burgess and Wilma (Hodge) Burgess.

Polly grew up in southeast Missouri, where she learned the value of hard work early, helping in the cotton fields. Around 1969, she moved to Aurora, Illinois, where she built a full and meaningful life rooted in family, perseverance, and faith. She raised five children, worked in real estate, and later owned and operated a successful new construction cleaning business. Polly was strong, resourceful, and never afraid of hard work—qualities she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

She was formerly married to Larry Lewis, with whom she had five children. Though their paths later went separate ways, together they shared the blessing of raising a family that became Polly’s greatest joy and proudest legacy.

Polly’s life was centered around her children and the generations that followed. She found her greatest happiness in family gatherings, watching her grandchildren grow, and holding her great-grandchildren close. Her love was steady, her heart generous, and her presence unforgettable.

She is survived by her children: 
Sheila (Steve) Tricarico, Brian (Angela) Lewis, James (Elizabeth) Lewis, Jonathan (Erin) Lewis, and Jeremy Lewis.

She is also survived by her grandchildren:
Justin (Stephanie) Schimandle, Joshua (Chantelle) Schimandle, Jacob (Jordan) Schimandle, Jared (Alexandra) Schimandle, Jesse (Meghan) Melow, Kristin (Zach) Brown, Mikal (Mackenzie) Lewis, Steffanie (Collin) Seyller, Tylor Lewis, Brittney (Aaron) Roberts, Morgan Pennington, Mason (Kristin) Pennington, Jessica (Jacob) Bunce, Christian (Roxanne) Lewis, Joseph Lewis, Vincent Herbig, Molly Herbig, Kaitlyn, Emily, John Lewis, Claudia (Justin Nunley), Noah(Yaritza) Jeremiah, and Asher Lewis.

She leaves behind 28 great-grandchildren:
Kaiden, Kolten, Kycen Schimandle, Christopher Duarte, Madison Duarte, Alyssa Dexter, Aiden, Braiden, Melody Schimandle, Chesney, Cheyenne, Jaxon, Beckett Schimandle, Bobby Chada, Violet Schimandle, Mia Brown, Emmilia Boyer, Macie Brown, Vivienne Boyer, Abel Brown, Rosie Lewis, Nathan Eamon, Mackenzie, Levi Roberts, Austin Lewis, Lily, Sadie, and Easton Seyller

Polly is also survived by her siblings:
Kathy Blankenship, Donna (Carl) Burns, Vicky Burgess, Patsy, Jo Ann Edwards, and Jo Allen (Micky) Burgess, along with numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents James Leland and Wilma Hodge Burgess; her brothers Leon, Jerry Don, and John; her sisters Vera Mae Bishop, Brenda Priest, and Mary Nell Burgess; and her beloved best friend, Joyce Clark.

Polly Ann Lewis will be remembered for her strength, her resilience, her love for family, and the countless lives she touched simply by being herself. Her legacy lives on through the many generations who carry her name, her stories, and her heart forward.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home with a graveside service to follow out to Little Rock Township Cemetery in Plano, IL. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com