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Barbara Jeanne Lewis

1940 - 2020

Barbara Jeanne Lewis obituary, 1940-2020, Colorado Springs, CO

Barbara Lewis Obituary

10-13-40 - 08-17-20
Barbara J. Lewis, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, teacher, friend, "happy sunshine," passed away peacefully on August 17, 2020, the first day of school. Barbara is survived by her beloved children and their families: son Geoffrey, his wife Jessica Babbs and their children Annabel and Giles, daughter Sarah (Sally) Hybl, her husband Kyle and their children Logan, Mallory, Liam and Aidan, and Gregory and his wife Cathryn and their children Michael, Madelyn and Mitchell. Barbara is also survived by her two amazing sisters, Kathleen Hirsch and Elizabeth Hannaman and their families.
Born in Kearny, New Jersey but raised in Wild Wonderful West Virginia, Barbara graduated from Parkersburg (WV) High School in 1958 and Ohio University in 1962. She returned to Parkersburg and taught math at her high school alma mater until 1967.
On July 1, 1967, Barbara married Ted, the love of her life, her best friend, and life mate. They enjoyed 41 blessed years together. A true partner in love and life, Barbara supported Ted through medical school at West Virginia University and then made the big move to Denver, Colorado in 1971 to support him in residency at the University of Colorado. In 1977, Ted, Barbara, and their children came to Colorado Springs to pursue their dreams, raise their family, and create community.
Barbara spent her life serving others. She was actively involved in her beloved church, Chapel of Our Saviour, serving as Treasurer for many years as well as member of the vestry, altar guild, kitchen crew, and outreach committee. An avid sports fan, Barbara loved her Broncos, and was never happier than when she was cheering on her children and grandchildren from a sideline or theatre audience. There wasn't a day in her life that she didn't spend time volunteering and working for others. From her early days of service in the Junior League and PTO at Broadmoor Elementary School, to her many hours volunteering at Cheyenne Mountain PPLD and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, she found purpose and joy in giving her time and talent to others. Organizations that benefited from her wisdom and countless hours of work included the Colorado Springs Debutante Ball, Cheyenne Mountain Schools, Family Promise Network, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, PPLD, and many more.
Barbara will be remembered and celebrated for the many ways she touched peoples' lives and she will be missed by her stitching lunch ladies, her marketeers, her church kitchen crew, her Tuesday time outers and her treasurers team. But mostly, she will be missed by all the students she taught, tutored, mentored, and loved. Barbara returned to teaching in 1987 at Cheyenne Mountain High School where she taught math and served as Student Council Sponsor for eighteen years. Teacher of the year in 1993 and 2016 Cheyenne Mountain School District Hall of Fame Inductee, Barbara "felt a responsibility to do much more than simply teach students math. She instilled in them the importance of leadership and responsibility by being involved with philanthropic endeavors. She also inspired in them an unparalleled passion for Cheyenne Mountain by modeling her true love of CMHS." Even after retiring in 2005, Barbara never missed a chance to substitute at her treasured CMHS. She was almost always among the first in the building and one of the last to leave because she simply loved being in the school. And when not in school, she was tutoring students in her home, working well into the night to accommodate students' schedules.
In 2018, Barbara was diagnosed with myloproliferative neoplasm, a disease of the bone marrow. She approached the diagnosis much like other physical challenges she had overcome in her life, with strength, resolve, grit, privacy, and serenity. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anita Lane, Dr. Maurice Markus, and Dr. Brett Matheson for the many years of incredible care that they each gave. They would also like to thank all those at Pikes Peak Hospice for their care - especially nursing team Lisa, Jutta, Kathy, Beth and Sally, who fittingly cared for her when she passed away like her husband had before, peacefully at Penrose Hospital. Barbara will be laid to rest with her husband at Chapel of Our Saviour columbarium in a ceremony with her children and grandchildren. But a celebration of the best teacher, mom and grandma will be held when friends and family can gather safely to share stories, laugh, and eat her chocolate chip cookies.

"In lieu of flowers, please spend time with a young person, or make a gift to any one of the organizations Barbara championed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette from Aug. 19 to Aug. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Lewis

Not sure what to say?





Cliff Wieger

August 13, 2024

A great lady.I miss her smile.
Cliff Wieger

Jonathan Reilly

May 27, 2022

I regret to say that I somehow missed this until I was thinking about Barb, today and went on line. Barb was a great person as well as a wonderful teacher who showed remarkable compassion, grit, humility and kindness to so many. I imagine that many would be surprised to learn that though her husband, Ted, was on the CM School Board, Barb was also a highly valued member of the Cheyenne Mountain Education Association Executive Board when I was President. Her efforts even there were tireless, community spirited and very appreciated. She made all of us better for that contribution. Her seemingly endless energy and time to our organization was valued and it was a pleasure to serve along side her. I´m so sorry for your loss.

A.H.

March 20, 2021

May God comfort and console you during this sad time. Please accept my sincere condolences, I am so sorry for your loss.

Katie Brown

August 27, 2020

Mrs Lewis welcomed me to high school, with my locker just outside her door. Two weeks ago, I shared a memory of Mrs Lewis with my husband. I remarked on her bravery and commitment to of us each as we knocked through those awkward years. Mrs Lewis taught me about being an advocate for ourselves and others. For her, it was a mark of duty, service and kindness. I think she also loved a good story problem.

To Sally and the Lewis family, I send warm memories and gratitude for the mentor I found in Mrs Lewis.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Gretchen Christensen

Planted Trees

Anna Osborne Hite

August 23, 2020

What a wonderful legacy of love, tireless community service and friendship Barbara has given us all. Blessings to the entire family and prayers at this difficult time.

Tiffany Paisley

August 21, 2020

Barbara was an incredible person--we who had the opportunity to get to see her weekly when she volunteered at the Cheyenne Mountain Library, are very saddened to hear this news. She was an amazing example of service to others and had an astounding work ethic. She spoke frequently of her love for her family, and was so proud of all of you. We are sorry for your loss, she will be missed. We learned so much from her and are grateful we had the chance to know such an amazing human being. Tiffany Paisley, Cheyenne Mountain Library Branch Manager

Chris Cool

August 21, 2020

To the whole Lewis family we lift you up in Prayer. Mrs Lewis was an amazing teacher and mom to us all. I remember her amazing hugs of encouragement, filled with so much love. My deepest condolences.

Kim Will

August 20, 2020

Barb was long retired before I came to CM but she was nonetheless omnipresent in the lives our students and staff. I knew her through her grandchild and I must say she instilled in them her infectious joy to serve and for magnanimity. Her spirit reminds me of a special poem:


The Choir Invisible
George Eliot - 1819-1880
O May I join the choir invisible
Of those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence: live
In pulses stirr'd to generosity,
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
For miserable aims that end with self,
In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars,
And with their mild persistence urge man's search
To vaster issues.

Kim Will

August 20, 2020

Barb was a charming and loving person. I only met her a few times but that’s all it takes to know what she’s all about: people, giving, grace, and love. I see those behaviors in her grandchildren. What a charming legacy.
The Choir Invisible
George Eliot - 1819-1880
O May I join the choir invisible
Of those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence: live
In pulses stirr'd to generosity,
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
For miserable aims that end with self,
In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars,
And with their mild persistence urge man's search
To vaster issues.

Larry Lawson

August 20, 2020

Sally, my deepest condolences to you and your extended family. I've known your mom since 1979 when we moved here. I think she helped raise me as all the "neighborhood moms" did back then. She cheered on our swim teams and taught me algebra, or tried. We worked together for years and when she retired and began subbing she would make a point to drop by to say hello and see how Jill and I were doing. So kind, generous and loving. May her memory bring you peace and love.

Jodi Papproth

August 20, 2020

When I first started teaching theatre at Cheyenne Mtn HS, Barb was not only a fan of the students in the shows and backstage but also a huge supporter of me in my choices for challenging and relevant material for the students. We got to be "roomies" in the hotel when we chaperoned the HS Show Choir on trips to perform at Disney. We stayed up talking late into the night, just like a girl's slumber party! I loved seeing her in the theatre community outside of CMHS as well and we often shared our views on the FAC shows and seasons. I feel like I just saw her yesterday at school or walking her little dog in the neighborhood near PVE! I thank her for her strength, for her support of me as a young and developing teacher and theatre artist, and for being a model for what it means to serve and really be there for kids!

Katie Susemihl

August 20, 2020

My condolences to the entire Lewis family. They lived right behind us when I was growing up. Then I was lucky enough to have her as my math teacher in high school, my favorite teacher. I can’t remember a day when she wasn’t smiling. She was such a joy, an amazing teacher and an even more amazing person.

Wes

August 20, 2020

I’m so sorry to hear this news. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Lewis throughout high school and send my deepest condolences. Mrs. Lewis was most certainly selfless and caring and that showed in everything she did. Much love and support from a past student to all friends and family!

Liz Koop

August 20, 2020

Though she was joyful year-round, Barb especially loved Christmas. She would wear a different Christmas sweater to school every day starting the first of December. Since her retirement we CMHS staff have missed her, but we loved seeing her when she substituted or volunteered. She will live on in spirit at CMHS! My sincere condolences.

Joe Bachofen

August 20, 2020

Barb was a friend and colleague for nearly 15 years. She was a friendly face whenever I was lucky enough to see her in the building and she was trusted and loved by every teacher in the math department as well as our kids. When more than one teacher was going to be gone, it was always a rush to see who would get Barb. I enjoyed many hours just talking with her about math and the math department and I was fortunate enough to teach most of her grandkids. Barb was my friend and I will sorely miss her. Love and condolences to her family.

Joe Bachofen

Jacque Olson

August 20, 2020

Geoff, I was so saddened to see the paper, yesterday. Your mom was always bigger than life and it's hard to let go of that. I hope I am able to find out when he public will be allowed to meet and have a celebration of her life because I would like to be a part of that.

Jen Myers

August 19, 2020

The Lewis family will always be a part of D12. Mrs. Lewis was a stalwart supporter of all kids at CMHS, even if you were not her student. I separated my shoulder and injured my ankle playing soccer my senior year, and could not finish the season. She baked me cookies to try and cheer me up, which she did. My prayers go out to her family tonight. The CMHS family has lost another member, too.

Richard

August 19, 2020

My condolences to the family of Mrs. Lewis. I was blessed to have her as my math teacher for two years at CMHS. May God be with you all during these difficult times.

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Chris Sward

Planted Trees

Michelle Deines

August 19, 2020

My condolences to the family❤. Barb was the ultimate CMHS supporter. Whether she was in the classroom or supporting her students at various events, you could always count on her being there. She will be deeply missed!

Kathleen Harrington

August 19, 2020

Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom's legacy is clearly amazing and I know her light shines in you--brightly! and we are all the better for it.

Dave Dilley

August 19, 2020

Geoff, Sally, and Greg: I am so sorry for your loss. Barb simply loved working with young people! She was a valued colleague at CMHS. I remember one particular day that was very challenging for me in my administrative role. Barb stopped by my office at the end of the day to tell me she as thinking of me and to press forward. It was 25 years ago, and, obviously, I’ve never forgotten. It was a typical selfless act by her. She touched so many lives and was a trusted and reliable friend. She was so proud of the three of you, and rightly so!

Susan Woodward

August 19, 2020

Dear Sally: so sorry to hear of your mom’s death. I know she was a loving guiding light in your world. A truly lovely person. Sue

Derek Malmgren

August 19, 2020

Mrs. Lewis was at the top of my list of favorite teachers and I definitely considered her a friend. I had her for 3 years of Math in high school and she was so patient and caring. She spent time at lunch, before and after school to ensure I understood concepts and was always so enthusiastic to talk hockey. I'm so glad I was able to see her again this winter watching CM hockey with her family. Prayers to the Lewises and just know how much she was appreciated in my life.

The Bonicelli Family

August 19, 2020

Our deepest condolences to the Lewis family. Barbara left a legacy with such a positive impact on the school district and community. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Connie Woolley

August 19, 2020

I am deeply saddened to hear of Barb's passing. Quickly becoming a friend when I joined the CMHS math department 6 years ago, she always brightened the room and was a beloved substitute and tutor for my students. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences.

Jim and Denise Castle

August 19, 2020

Barb was a wonderful neighbor. We will miss her.

Bill and Pam Farrell

August 19, 2020

Barb will be missed but never forgotten for all she did for the school, for her Church for her communityshe was bigger than life! She often spoke of her love for Cheyenne Mountain, she bled bled maroon and white. She is with Ted now and Marty and The Lord; so I know she is happy. She was an inspiration to all those who came in contact with her.

Clifford Wieger

August 19, 2020

She was quite a lady and will be greatly missed. It was an honor to know and work with, both at Chapel of Our Saviour and Cheyenne Mountain Schools. My condolences and prayers go out to the family.

David Barkley

August 19, 2020

I was on staff with Barbara at Cheyenne Mountain High School. She served as the ultimate example of a professional educator as well faculty leader. Recently, I would run in to her on walks in the neighborhood - and she always made her self available for conversation. She will be missed. A legendary loss to the greatness of Cheyenne Mountain High School.

Jacqueline Christian

August 19, 2020

Our heart felt condolences to the Lewis family. Mrs. Lewis touched all of our lives. CMHS and the world would not be the same without her. Rest in peace Mrs Lewis. Love, The Christian Family....Larry, Linda, Andrew and Jacqueline.

The Michael Hague Family

August 19, 2020

All of our family are saddened to hear of Barbara's passing. She was a remarkable person.

Marie Beck

August 19, 2020

I’m so sorry for you loss. She was a light in every room ❤

Steve Schriener

August 19, 2020

I came to Cheyenne Mountain in 1987, and, as every young teacher needs a road map, Barb was that guide. She knew the ground -- whom to embrace, the traps to avoid. That is indispensable in building a thriving community, and she is tireless in that regard. Her presence is felt and will be for a long time.

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