Shirley "Shirl" LEWIS

1944 - 2025

Mar 9, 1944 - Oct 29, 2025

Shirley Ann Lewis "Shirl" entered into the presence of the Lord on October 29th, 2025. She was born in Milwaukee, WI, on March 9th, 1944, to Cecilia and Benjamin Brucker Sr. Shirley and her four siblings grew up in Spokane, WA, where she attended St. Charles Parish School and Marycliff High School. After graduation, Shirley worked as a Department Head at Sears at Northtown. During this time, she met the love of her life, James Lewis, whom she married on August 5th, 1967. They shared 58 years of marriage, building a home filled with faith, warmth, and laughter as they raised their six children. Shirley was a stay-at-home mom, much to her children's delight. She had eleven grandchildren who brought her boundless joy, and she treasured every moment with them. In 1982, Shirley and James became Foster Parents for Healing The Children, and they opened their hearts and home by hosting more than forty children through the organization, providing care, comfort, and love to those in need of life-saving medical treatment. She served as Chapter Director for Healing the Children Inland Northwest for 30 years and brought over 300 foreign children to Spokane for medical treatment. In 2001, Shirley went on a medical mission trip to Guatemala with Healing the Children and provided support for families and children receiving surgery. Shirley had a remarkable gift for caring for others, and her generosity and leadership touched countless lives. Shirley lived a life deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. Her devotion to Mary and her daily rosary guided her life. She became a Third Order Franciscan, ofs. She taught Baptismal classes while a parishioner at St. Ann's and was chosen to be Godmother by many of the parents. Shirley truly lived her faith in action. She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her unwavering faith, and the love she shared so freely with everyone blessed to know her. Shirley is survived by her husband, James, and their children: Monique (Vincent) with grandchildren Sophia and Antonio; Andre (Heidi) with grandchildren Karter, Warner, and Landon; Nicole (Aalok) with grandchildren Sarita, Maya and Lukas; Eric (Keytra) with grandchildren Dominic, Cecilia, and Greyson; Marta (Randy) and Estela (Mathew) as well as siblings, Benjamin (Sally) Kathy (Dave), John, and numerous nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by Benjamin Brucker, Sr., Cecilia (Keller) Brucker, and Jacqueline Brucker. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kimiko Domoto-Reilly and Elisabeth J. Lindley, A.R.N.P. of UW Medicine Neurology, and the staff at Providence Senior Home for their care, support, and love for Shirley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 29th, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church, with celebrant, Reverend M.J. Nicks. A gathering to celebrate Shirley's life will immediately follow at the Spokane Club. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Healing the Children, PO Box 9065, Spokane, WA 99209, or call Carol Bornemen at 509-327-4281. Online memorial page at www.holycrossofspokane.org.