Lewis Jan Hellerstein

Dr Lewis Jan Hellerstein, a loving, devoted father, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Denver, Colorado in 1938, to Louis and Leonora Hellerstein. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and was an Intern and Resident at the District of Columbia General Hospital. He volunteered for the Air Force where he was a medical researcher with the rank of Captain. He then specialized in Hematology and Oncology at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. He settled in Houston in 1971, joining Houston Diagnostic Associates, where he maintained a private practice for 44 years. He taught at Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Medical School. He was awarded the St. Joseph Hospital “Outstanding Teacher” award for two years. In 1989, he was a founding member of the Texas Society of Medical Oncology, where he served as Secretary in 1992 to 1993 and President for 1994 to 1995.

In 1962 he married Peggy Henry, a music educator from Plainview, Texas who devoted herself to being a wife, homemaker, and mother to their four children until her passing in 2020. Lewis was also preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Steve Hellerstein Sr. and John Hellerstein; and his son, Jason Hellerstein.

He is survived by his sister, Adrienne Moss; son, Trent Hellerstein; and daughters, Julia Kay Connel and Kimberly Segelke. He was a proud grandpa to Jessica Kenny, Ben Connel, Seth Cooper, Al and Jana Hellerstein, Berkely, August, and Chloe Segelke, and recently as a great grandpa to Dean Kenny Jr.

Lewis was also known as “Lew” to his friends or “Doc” to his grandchildren. Though he often seemed serious, Lew enjoyed comedy and had a surprising sense of humor. He generously supported the Arts and provided pro-bono services. He enjoyed racquetball, boating, scuba diving, travelling, and eating chocolate cake. During retirement, he spent much of his time with family in Aruba and Spain.

The family would like to thank Kayla Rogers and Nikki Hastings of Varco Hospice, Lezanne and Joel Pugh of Silver Lantern Homecare, and caregiver Tammy Jacobsen for their tireless, gentle, and patient help.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted Saturday, May 17th, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 in the Magnolia Venue of Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Brookwood Community, Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.