Elsa Lewis
South Roxana |
Elsa A. Lewis, 72, of South Roxana, passed away on October 12, 2023, at her home.
She was born on November 30, 1950, to Wiley and Ethel (Rigney) Smith in East Saint Louis. Elsa worked as a Senior Manager in Accounting for Boeing, retiring after more than 27 years. On December 31, 1984, she married the love of her life James “Jim” Lewis in Wood River. He preceded her in death on September 1, 2022.
Elsa loved to learn and held several degrees including an Associates in Funeral Service Education from St. Louis Community College, a bachelor’s in business from SIUE, and an MBA from Capella University. She loved to read, study genealogy, and enjoy US History, especially anything regarding JFK. Fall was her favorite time of year and Halloween was her favorite holiday. Elsa traveled the world and as a young mother spent time living in the Middle East. Her love of travel continued throughout her life. Elsa enjoyed upholstery and gardening. She was born with a natural rhythm and loved all kinds of music and dancing.
Elsa is survived by her children, Jennifer (Dwayne) Copeland of Godfrey, Brooke Garner of Wood River, William “Bill” (Jennifer) Lewis of Wood River, Allen Graham of St. Louis, and Rebecca (Robert) Alford of Alton; sister, Cindy (Dan) Robien of East Alton; grandchildren, Madeline, Annabelle, Jennifer, Olivia, Alexander, Emily, Elsah, Madison, Chandler, and Blake; and niece and nephews, Stacia, Patrick, Todd, Clayton, and Maxx.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Lewis; sister, Donna (George) Watson; niece, Donna Pantone; and a special great-aunt, Elsa Stott.
Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 1 pm to 4 pm at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, Illinois.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences can be given at www.eliaskallalschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
