Natalie Lucille Lewis

On June 12, 2018, Natalie Lewis passed away in her sleep in North Bethesda, Maryland. Born on November 11, 1920, Natalie remained active until her death. She worked as an educator and bookseller until age 90. After retiring, she continued to live independently while attending classes, volunteering in the library and with her Jewish Community, participating in book groups and and playing Scrabble. Natalie remained mentally sharp, involved with her family and opinionated about the world.

Born Natalie Lucile Baker in 1920 in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Hyman and Esther Baker, she had three younger brothers Stanley, Norman, and Alan, who she loved dearly. Growing up during the Depression was difficult and Natalie often took care of her brothers while her parents worked. After high school, Natalie joined the Navy in World War II and she was very proud of her veteran status. While in the Navy, Natalie traveled to various bases within the United States and after the war ended, she moved to Dallas Texas to attend school at Southern Methodist University, where she earned both a Bachelor and Master degree.

In Dallas she met and married Milton Lewis in 1950 and had her first child, Elaine, the following year. Soon thereafter they moved to Joliet, Illinois where Milton ran the Lewis Service Store, a general store that had been in the family for generations. In Joliet, Natalie and Milton had three more children, Janet, Daniel, and Laurie. Natalie taught at the local junior college, college, and high school, and was also an active volunteer, most notably with Hadassah. Education was a very high priority for Natalie and all of her children earned multiple degrees, played instruments, and became high-achieving adults.

In 1982 Natalie and Milton retired to Dallas and reunited with their friends. They traveled extensively and truly enjoyed their retirement years. Natalie became employed at Barnes & Noble, a retirement career that lasted over 20 years. She and Milton enjoyed the weddings of all of their children, and especially loved their ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Milton passed away in 2000 and Natalie moved to Maryland several years later to be closer to her two children who lived there.

Natalie is survived by her children Elaine Lewis (Larry Baizer), Janet Lewis (Matt Elkins), Daniel Lewis, Laurie Lewis, her brother Alan Baker (Nanette Baker), her grandchildren Sarah Baizer, Tessa Baizer, Lena Elkins, Madeleine Elkins, Miles Elkins, Rachel Lewis, Scott Lewis, Misha Goldstein, Mira Goldstein, Aaron Goldstein and her great granddaughter Olivia Mazurek. Natalie was pre-deceased by her brothers Stanley Baker and Norman Baker and is survived by her sisters-in-law Marianne Baker and Lolita Baker. Natalie also leaves many lifelong and new friends.

She will be greatly missed by her friends, children, and grandchildren.

Donations in Natalie's honor may be made to Hadassah Young Judaea Scholarships, at Hadassah.org or PO Box 1100, New York, NY 10268-1100 or JSSA Hospice, at jssa.org or 200 Wood Hill Rd / Rockville, MD 20850