Stephen Lewis

Stephen Gottschalk Lewis was born, according to legend, on the bridge that crosses the Titicus River in upstate New York on September 22, 1961; his grandfather was driving "like a bat out of hell," while in the back seat, his mother's head was cradled in the arms of her mother-in-law. Steve always cherished his extended family, as well as the beauty and freedom of water.

Raised in East Aurora, New York, he was devoted to his church youth group, cross-country team, and a wide variety of friends. He graduated early and moved to Boston, via San Francisco, where he and his then-wife, Julia, started a family. He adored his daughter Gemma and his son Skylar, and never in his whole life spoke their names to friends or family without his voice softening and his eyes shining.

Steve worked as a registered nurse, where he rotated between rehabilitation, psychiatric, community mental health, and long-term care facilities. His patients were touched by his soft, gentle demeanor, aided by his exquisite skills and judgment, and moved by his advocacy for them. Although a passionate nurse, Steve always believed in a healthy work-life balance, often choosing part-time employment in order to explore his interests in sailing, gardening, tennis, swimming, piano, and painting. After the death of his father, Steve reconnected with the church and was a longtime member of his local Baptist community, often teaching Sunday school. After his mother's death, he grew committed to preserving the family home in Nova Scotia. Steve was a man of great dreams, and the property there was an important part of the tapestry he envisioned for his retirement. However, his long-term cardiac issues grew worse just as that dream was coming into reality. On February 6, 2026, after many hours and extended surgery, Steve entered the rest we all will know. The family remains grateful for the surgeons, nurses, and staff who worked countless hours to try to save him. Their labors are not forgotten.

Steve leaves behind his partner of many years, Nora, whose love and support were his greatest joy. Also remaining are his two children, Gemma and her partner Jerry, and Skylar; his three brothers, Dan, Ben, and Tim; his grandchildren, Olivia, Jensen, Noah, Jerry Jr., Estelle and Solomon; his cousins Stephen, Richard, Alison, and Rebecca; his aunt, Heidi; as well as countless friends. His gentle, quirky, adventurous spirit and constant loving kindness will be greatly missed.

Think of Steve when you donate to a cause or pass things on to those in need. And wherever you travel, stop at a used bookstore to bring something home.

A service and celebration of Steve's life will be held on April 11th at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Burlington, Vermont.