Betsy Lewis

1962 - 2018

Betsy Lewis passed away after a lifetime struggle with CLOVES Syndrome. She died surrounded by family and friends which is only fitting for someone who loved and was loved by so many. Betsy's last weeks were filled with celebration of her life. She leaves with the legacy of showing what kind of an impact one person can really have in this world. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Judy McKenna and Ted Barkwill. She attended Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio and graduated in 1985 from University of Colorado at Boulder where she majored in Education and Psychology. Betsy began teaching at Stanley British Primary School in 1987. Her life and her work with children touched an incredible number of people. Her care for others is unmatched. Betsy was the oldest person diagnosed with CLOVES. As an ambassador for the CLOVES community, she provided promise and hope to many families. Betsy married her high school sweetheart, Chris Lewis. In spite of physical limitations, Betsy and Chris led an adventurous life traveling the world. Their beautiful life was enhanced by the arrival of their daughters, Daisy and Rosie. Their adventures continued. Betsy's love of her husband and children were always foremost in her life. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend, her presence was bigger than life. She is survived by her mother Judy McKenna (husband Terry Hanson); husband Chris Lewis; daughters Daisy and Rosie Lewis; and beloved extended family. She is preceded in death by her brother Dean Barkwill and her father Ted Barkwill. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 15 at 3pm at Stanley British Primary School. The family requests donations to CLOVES Syndrome (clovessyndrome.org).