Leila Barlow Lewis Passes Away
Monday, December 26, 2005
Mrs. Robert H. (Leila) Lewis, age 87, died on Sunday, December 25 from complications relating to Alzheimer’s disease. She was the wife of veteran California Saddlebred trainer, Bob Lewis.
She was born in Los Angeles July 12, 1918, and raised in Dallas. She married Robert Harrison Lewis Jr. July 15, 1942 in San Francisco. She was predeceased by her son, Robert Alan Lewis. She is survived by her beloved spouse of 63 years; daughters Susan Guthrie (Robert), Dinah Baumgartner (Jerome), and Amy Lewis (Christopher Bill); and grandchildren Stephen Michael Guthrie, Jeremy Theresa Lewis, and Joseph Robert Bill.
Leila loved beauty in all forms – nature, art, architecture, craftsmanship, and fashion. She modeled for the Sanger-Harris department store in Dallas. In 1950, she moved with her family to San Mateo, and lived on the San Francisco Peninsula for most of her remaining 55 years. She was a leader in her community, serving as president for the Meadow Heights School PTA and the Peninsula Art Association, was active in the Millbrae Players and Hillbarn Theater groups, arranged flowers for the Presbyterian church and served on its building committee. She served as the S.F. Peninsula’s representative for a UNESCO conference in San Francisco.
She was interested in learning about people and cultures different from her own. Leila often befriended strangers and welcomed them into her family - leading to many lasting friendships. She was a gifted cook and gracious hostess who exuded southern hospitality and called everyone "darling."
Alzheimer’s robbed her of much of her memory in her last years but people were still attracted to her radiant smile and outgoing nature. Special thanks to Sela Malu and her family for the kind caregiving they provided.
Leila, we will love you always and hold you dear in our hearts. Fly free and rest in peace, darling.
Friends and family are invited to visit from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday December 29, 2005, at Crippen and Flynn’s Carlmont Chapel, 1111 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA and to the service at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 30. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, or the donor’s favorite charity.
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