Shirley Ann Lewis

SHIRLEY ANN LEWIS, 80, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2018 in Orange County, California, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Shirley Ann Nielsen was born on March 1st, 1938 in Spencer, Iowa, the youngest of John and Marie Nielsen’s three children. She was raised on the family farm in Moneta, Iowa and attended the Moneta School, where she was a cheerleader, a member of the girls’ basketball team, and president of her class. She graduated as Moneta’s salutatorian in 1955.

Shirley attended Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado (now known as the University of Northern Colorado), graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She was recruited by various school districts, and after graduation moved to California to accept a teaching position with the Norwalk-La Mirada School District here in Southern California.

Shirley Nielsen married John Harold Lewis on December 30, 1961. After their children started school, she returned to teaching, as a substitute teacher with the Orange Unified School District. In 1986, she accepted a full-time position with the in-hospital school program at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), teaching children afflicted with critical diseases such as cystic fibrosis and cancer. Among the many honors she received for her outstanding service, in 1998 she was recognized by NBC-TV with a “Crystal Apple Award”. Even after retiring in 2002, she continued to work part-time with children undergoing kidney dialysis.

Shirley Lewis is survived by her older brother, Donnie; her husband, John; son David (Kristi) and daughter Darcy (Josh); four grandchildren, Zachary, Katie, Court, and Cecily; and many loving cousins, friends, and neighbors. Her compassion, generosity, and genial humor will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services will be held at 12:30 pm on Friday, November 30th, at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary in Santa Ana. A reception will be hosted at David & Kristi Lewis' home following the service. Details will be provided at the service.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to CHOC, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Alzheimer’s Orange County.