Catherine Lewis

Born August 28, 1952, in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Michael and Virginia Mack Drace, Catherine Drace Lewis made her home in many parts of the country, including Milford, Connecticut, New York City and Cape Coral, Florida. She would come to call Charlotte home in 1996. Catherine attended Milford High School and Sacred Heart College. Following college, she embarked on a career as an office manager with the financial consulting firm Smith Barney.

In later years she would give birth to the center of her universe, her daughter Gillian Drace. For the last 26 years she spent her life as a homemaker, pursuing interests in gardening and cooking and exploring her ever growing love for dogs and cats. Her quick wit and interest in politics often put her front and center in conversations and debates with friends and family. While sometimes regarded as outspoken, she remained consistently comedic and good-natured and was easily capable of finding friends with those she disagreed, just as quickly as individuals with which she shared similar world views. Indeed, she had a gift for reaching across the aisle.

In addition to her interests in politics and comic banter, she enjoyed traveling and had visited such destinations as Thailand, Morocco and the Caribbean Island of St Maarten. She also found deep comfort and strength in her devotion to non-denominational Christianity.

After an extended and brave battle against cancer (while steadfastly maintaining her ever-present sense of humor and gratitude to all of her doctors, nurses and caregivers) Catherine Lewis passed away on November 11, surrounded by her devoted and loving family and friends. She was preceded in her passing by parents Michael and Virginia, and is survived by husband Keith Lewis, daughter Gillian Drace, Sister Palma McLellan and husband Mike, stepdaughter Melissa Lewis Liles and husband Christopher Liles, stepdaughter Crystal Lewis Biggers and husband Jesse Biggers and their son Henry

In celebration of her life, a memorial service will be held Saturday, November 15, at 3 p.m. at Grace Covenant Church, located at 1800 South Boulevard. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Grace Covenant Church, Anjellicle Cats Rescue or the Levine Cancer Institute.

Forest Lawn West Funeral Home is serving the family in this time of grief and online condolences may be offered through www.forestlawnwest.com