Sarah Lazarus Lewis

Sarah Lazarus Lewis, 51, passed away on March 18, 2025 after a short and valiant battle with cancer.

Surviving her are her husband of 29 years, Jeff Lewis; her three children Jessica, Rebecca, and Eli; her parents Vicki and Edward Lazarus; her mother-in-law Kaye Lewis; sister Ellen Lazarus Golden (Philip); and sister-in-law Laurie Lewis Shapiro (Jonathan). She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Predeceasing her were her paternal grandparents, Carolyn and Wilbur Lazarus; her maternal grandparents, Lora and Dale Blanchard; and her father-in-law Don Lewis.

Although born in Denver, Sarah grew up in New Orleans, her father's hometown. She loved all things New Orleans: the food (especially Po' Boys and Doberge cake), Mardi Gras parades, and City Park. She attended the Isidore Newman School and then college at Tufts University. She excelled academically at both schools.

She was the glue that held everything and everyone together. Family, friends, and organizations relied on her. Once Sarah made a commitment, she kept her word, did it excellently, and did it on time. She could multi-task like no-one else. Simply put, she wanted to stay busy and make lives around her better.

She easily made friends wherever she went. Once Sarah befriended you, you were a friend for life. She valued every friendship, extending her kindness, wisdom, love, and sometimes even unwarranted organizing advice. She was the epitome of an amazing friend and outstanding community member.

This love even extended to animals. She had a soft spot for rescues, much to Jeff's dismay! Over the years, she volunteered to foster several liters of puppies as they waited to find their forever homes, one of which did with Jessica. We always joked that our dogs were at the top of her totem pole.

Sarah's first passion was her family. If the kids had an activity, Sarah was involved. She was on several PTA boards (MJCC, Grahamwood, and Riverdale), a team manager for multiple soccer teams, and served on the Purple Rain Soccer Club board. Nights and weekends were spent on the soccer fields or at the horse stables. She could be counted on to bake her famous chocolate chip or forgotten cookies for any gathering. The family holiday cards and calendar only happened because of her. As the kids went to college, she became an avid supporter of UNC and Alabama sports. But it was also important to her and Jeff that the family eat dinner together every evening-no matter the craziness of everyone's schedule.

Sarah's second passion was organizing: Everything had a place and every event had a plan. No trip happened without a detailed itinerary down to the minute. She loved to label, put items in bins, and color code. She parlayed this skill into her business "Organized by Sarah," where she helped numerous clients for 15 years. But these clients were more than clients; they became family, speaking to the true nature of her heart.

She was deeply committed to the wider Jewish community. She served on the Jewish Community Partners and Jewish Federation boards, most recently as the vice chair of community impact. She loved Israel, having studied there in college and visiting most recently on a Federation trip. She was also active at Temple Israel.

Sarah's happiest place was Henry S. Jacobs Camp. She went for numerous summers as both a camper and staff member. Her oldest friend group, affectionately known as the "Camp Girls," formed there. Jeff and Sarah met there in the summer of 1991. All three kids continued the tradition by attending and serving on staff. She went every summer for two weeks to organize and was on the Camp Committee. She loved hanging with friends, Shabbat song session, and watching the sunset over the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Henry S. Jacobs Camp or to the charity of one's choice.