Obituary of Susan E. Lewis

Susan E. Lewis, 76, passed away of a cardiovascular accident on December 12, 2019 in Tenino, Washington, her home the past two years.  She was born September 15, 1943 to Lewis Augusta Snyder and Effie Odessa Brown in Bakersfield, California. Over the years, Susan also lived in Olympia, Washington (1986-2017), Colorado Springs, Colorado (1985-86), and the Bay Area, California (1943-1985).

Susan graduated from North High School in Bakersfield on June 9, 1961, and took business courses at San Jose City College through 1963.  She married Gerald M. Lewis on July 26, 1975 in the Victoria Wedding Chapel in Carson City, Nevada. Gerald passed away April 29, 2009.

Susan was owner of Yesteryears Antiques in Olympia (1986-2015).  She also worked as a Control Account Specialist at the City of Palo Alto, California (1981-1986); a Senior Systems Admin at Control Data Corporation, Sunnyvale/Palo Alto/San Jose, California (1973-1979); an admin at Intel Corp. (1971-1972); and did data processing at San Diego Union Tribune (1969-1971).

Susan loved the thrill of discovering new antiques, or “treasures” as she called them.  Personally, she was an avid Coca Cola collector.  She also loved gardening and growing flowers, and winning jackpots at the casino.  More than anything, she loved being a part of her grandson’s life, day in and day out.  She kept her family at the forefront of everything she did!  No one ever left her home hungry after a delicious, well-planned meal!

Always with her mischievous smile, you never quite knew what Susan was planning, but when she said, “I love you bunches,” you knew she cared deeply!  She was also fond of saying, “Life is too short to drink bad wine.” She found joy day to day.  She made life fun and encouraged others to find joy or call “BS” when they saw it. She was a legend and we are all better for knowing her.

She is survived by her son, Scott M. Lewis of Olympia; daughter, Jennifer L. O’Neal of Tenino; and grandson, Kian T. O’Conner of Tenino.  She was predeceased by her parents; adopted mother, Jeanne M. Priest; and her husband.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 26, 2020, 2:00 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.