Felicia Lewis has lived a varied life throughout her time in State College, working with politicians, libraries and prisons. Now, at 80 years old, she is taking on her newest role -- interim mayor of State College.

As her visibility in the community kicks up a notch, Lewis' husband Peirce, a retired Penn State geography professor, noted the "respect and admiration" residents have for the woman he has been married to for more than 50 years.

"She's perfect," he said. "She has worked officially or unofficially with the borough for 40 years. I think she will do as good as a job, if not better, than Bill [Welch.]"

Now, Lewis has been chosen as interim mayor, a job she calls a "considerable honor" and believes will be a "non-controversial appointment."

The council unanimously nominated Lewis as interim mayor at its Oct. 5 meeting after having to find a replacement for the late Bill Welch.

"I think it is easier for someone who has municipal experience to step in at such a touchy time," Lewis said. "I don't think the council wanted to go into a lot of political angst over who was appointed to fill up the term."

After graduating from Albion College in Michigan, Lewis moved to State College in 1958. From there, she broke into borough politics by becoming involved with the Democratic Party and the American Association of University Women. In the 1970s, she was active on both the borough's design review board and Schlow Centre Region Library Board of Trustees, where she stayed before being elected onto the State College Borough Council in 1981.

Council member Peter Morris, who nominated her at the Oct. 5 meeting, noted Lewis' "civic responsibility."

"The main thing is to be fair and unbiased -- to recognize people," Morris said. "I think she'll be great at that. She'll be a calming influence."

Several other council members, such as Don Hahn, shared Morris' view. Hahn said he asked Lewis out to lunch "in order to get her consent" for the nomination.

"She was on my short list of people for ideal interim mayors," Hahn said. "I wanted to nominate her, but Peter beat me to the punch."

Both council members said they were surprised by how little discussion there was on the other nominees that were mentioned at the meeting. The surprise was shared by Lewis, who said being nominated for mayor was the furthest thing from her mind.

"I never considered running," Lewis said. "Why me? I was certainly hesitant of taking on another municipal responsibility. But I think it might be fun -- who knows?"

Former planning commission member Christina Rambeau has never served in a position alongside Lewis. Regardless, Rambeau has always been "encouraged" by the Lewis's actions, she said.

"I have always followed her good works, both as a participant and as a citizen," Rambeau said. "I admire her a great deal.

Aside from her mayoral duties, Lewis continues to work with the borough in other ways. Her husband mentioned that she is currently working with inmates at Centre County Correctional Facility, trying to increase their employability after their release.

On top of all the other commitments she has developed throughout her years, Lewis said she has "a good feeling" about working with the council and the community.

"I'm sure I'll make a lot of flubs, but it isn't going to make an earthshaking difference, I don't think," she said. "I think we'll move along all right."