Doreen Mae Lewis (nee' Brandt) of Santee, CA passed away peacefully on November 21, 2016 surrounded by her daughter and 4 oldest grandchildren, finally succumbing to COPD at the age of 69. Doreen is survived by her daughter Dawn Cummins, son Richard Lewis, 5 grandchildren Taylor, Ian, Nathan, Morgan and Hailey, her sister Mary Hall, nieces Stacy, Amy, Patricia and nephew, Steven. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Jeanne. Doreen was born April 30, 1947 in Erie PA. She was raised by her mom, Dorothy, and stepfather, David Campbell. After graduating high school, Doreen married her high school sweetheart and had two children, Dawn and Richard. While that young love did not last, Doreen met the love of her life, Edward Wagner, and relocated to Buffalo New York in 1974. Doreen worked hard in the home and outside the home waitressing, to provide a nice life and home for her children but romantic love continued to evade her, finding herself once again a "single mom." At the age of 40, she found her calling and career, helping others as a Nationwide Insurance Agent. She was very proud of passing agent school and being able to provide a service families really needed. She went on to buy her own home and to have a successful career for 20 years. In 2008, she retired to San Diego to be near her children and grandchildren. Doreen was a strong and passionate person. She worked tirelessly to reach her goals. Strong and close relationships with her family and friends were of upmost importance to her. Although, at times, her strong opinions and passion would get in the way of the very thing she wanted most. She was an actively involved grandparent from the beginning, jumping in to help with childcare or just having fun, jumping in the tub clothes and all. Cheering support from the (sport) sidelines might have embarrassed them as teens, but her love for her grandchildren poured out every which way possible. There was nothing they wanted that she did not find a way to give to them. She was known as "hip" Aunt Reeny to her nieces and nephew and their children. They looked forward to her visits and her "dump cake." She found strength in helping others; from a warm welcome to a new neighbor to standing by a friend's side at a time of loss, you could count on Doreen. She also enjoyed entertaining friends and family, which included playing tour guide for out of town guests, throwing fun gatherings and decorating her home inside and out for every holiday. She took pride in her homes and loved to garden. She created her own little sanctuaries. In New York, her garden included a beautiful coy fishpond. In San Diego, her garden is a paradise for local birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The family would like to thank Doreen's hospice team, Candace Byrnes, RN, Linda Shekey, CHHA, Talya Van der Borg, LCSW, and Tom Davis, Chaplain for their care and support. The memorial service is scheduled for Monday, December 5 2016, 11:00 am at Guardian Angel Church 9310 Dalehurst Rd. Santee, CA 92071. Family and friends will gather in the Social Hall for a luncheon and to share remembrances immediately after the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Doreen's life. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Facing Addiction at www.facingaddiction.org