Carla Joan Lewis

Carla Joan Lewis Carla Lewis, a long-time teacher and staff member in Austin area schools, most recently at John B. Connally High School in Pflugerville, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 in Round Rock, Texas. Carla was born in Lamar, Colorado on April 3, 1965. Growing up in Colorado, Carla decided in the 5th grade that working in Special Education would be her life's work. Graduating from the University of Colorado, at Greeley, Colorado in 1987, she earned degrees in both Regular Education and Special Education. She understood every learning disability, every special need, and helped all her students succeed to the best of her ability, sometimes so well that the students surprised themselves and their families with their achievements. Never satisfied with just "good enough," Carla also went on to obtain a Master's degree and was working on a PhD at the time of her death. She also taught Master-level courses for the University of Phoenix Online. In spite of all Carla's school-related activities, she always made sure that family came first. Her husband, Matthew, and their daughter, Brittany, received all the love and support they needed -- and more -- for their activities, whether those activities were associated with hobbies or school. Carla was also a skilled artisan, well at home as a seamstress, or with embroidery, crochet, knitting, beading, and was particularly accomplished at blackwork. When her friends needed advice or help, or just needed someone to talk to, Carla was often the first person to whom they turned. She had a special ability to absorb, retain, recall and most importantly synthesize vast amounts information in her efforts to help others. She gave valuable insights on many issues, and was always willing to lend a hand or an ear. Carla will be sorely missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her husband and daughter, her parents Violetta and Dennis Pinkerton, and her brother Kyle and family. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 9, 2010, at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church, 3201 Sunrise Road, Round Rock, Texas with Reverend Edwin Kagoo as Celebrant. Please visit Carla's memorial site at www.MeM.com where you can share thoughts and memories with her family.