Lewis J. Israel

Lewis lived his life in his own unique way, experiencing the world differently from most of us. He had cognitive disabilities and was mostly non-verbal, but those who knew Lewis understood that his lack of speech never meant a lack of thoughts, feelings, personality or love. He was gentle, kind and remarkably resilient, and he touched the lives of countless people simply by being himself.

Lewis grew up surrounded by a family who loved him deeply. During his childhood, his father, Jerry, devoted countless hours to teaching him to read, do basic math and develop the everyday skills that would help him throughout his life. Their relationship remained especially close throughout Lewis's life. His dad never seemed concerned with the way others might perceive Lewis. What mattered to him was making his son happy. His mother Tanya was not only a loving mother but a fierce advocate for Lewis during his educational journey. His siblings Laurie and Dan attribute much of their life outlook to the determination Lewis showed throughout his life.

As a young teenager, Lewis attended Woods School in Pennsylvania, a school for children with special needs where he continued to learn and develop important skills. After completing school, he lived in a series of loving group homes, sponsored by Washtenaw County Community Health where he was cared for by people who became an important part of his extended family.

Among those who cared for Lewis, two people held a particularly special place in his life. Juliette, who ran his last group home, helped create a loving and supportive home for him. And Odell, his beloved caregiver and best buddy, shared an extraordinarily close relationship with Lewis. They did so much of life together—running errands, grocery shopping and simply being out in the world. Odell knew Lewis better than almost anyone and understood his unique ways of communicating, his routines and what made him happy. Lewis loved Odell dearly, and his family will always be profoundly grateful that the two of them found each other.

Lewis was a true fighter. He rarely complained and often gave little indication when he was in pain. Five years ago, he unexpectedly collapsed and was found to need major heart surgery, despite having shown no warning signs. Two years ago, he broke his femur simply getting out of bed. He quietly got back into bed without saying a word. Through every challenge, Lewis continued to move forward with the remarkable determination that characterized his entire life.

He also knew how to have fun. As a child, Lewis loved to mimic things he saw on television. He would playfully “hypnotize” people, telling them, “You are in my powers,” while the neighborhood children happily played along. He loved to eat—McDonald's was a particular favorite—and he loved old rock music, cartoons and, above all, Michigan football. His father took him to Michigan football games, and some of Lewis's happiest times were spent watching football with his dad and brother.

One of his family's last special memories of Lewis was just a month before his hospitalization. His sister Laurie picked him up from his group home and brought him to visit their 92-year-old father. The two watched reruns of Michigan football together, and Lewis was very happy. It was a simple moment, but one that captured so much of what Lewis loved: his dad, football and being with the people who made him feel at home.

Lewis is preceded in his death by his mother Tanya Israel. Lewis leaves behind a family who will carry his memory with them always, including his father, Jerry; his siblings, Laurie Israel Cubell (Allen) and Daniel (Molly) his nieces and nephews Josh, Haley and Allison Cubell and Matthew, Ryan Rose and Kate Israel, and many extended family members and friends.

Lewis's family is especially grateful to the many caregivers, teachers, medical professionals and friends who supported and loved him throughout his life. Their care allowed Lewis to live a life filled with dignity, companionship and moments of happiness.

Lewis taught the people around him lessons that cannot easily be put into words. He taught them patience, empathy, determination, caring and selflessness. He taught them that there are many ways to communicate and many ways to experience the world. Most of all, he taught his family what is truly important: love.

His family hopes that Lewis's life will continue to inspire compassion and understanding for people with disabilities and special needs. His legacy will live on not only in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, but also in his family's enduring commitment to making the world a more accepting and caring place for others who experience it differently.

Lewis's family takes comfort in imagining that he is now reunited with his beloved mother, Tanya, who passed away just eight months ago, as well as his grandparents, great-uncle and other loved ones who went before him. Perhaps, finally, Lewis is free from the limitations that made it difficult for him to communicate all that was inside him—and perhaps he can now experience the world with a freedom he could never fully have in this life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lewis’ memory to either of the following organizations: Aarons Acres (https://aaronsacres.org/donate/) or

Malan Syndrome Foundation (https://www.malansyndrome.org)

Lewis was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed. And his family will carry him in their hearts forever.

Muehlig Funeral Chapel is honored to serve Lewis’s family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.MuehligAnnArbor.com.