Fen Yu Lewis

Fen (Yu) Lewis, a woman of strength, intelligence, and unwavering love, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, at the age of 80. Her life journey spanned continents and was marked by academic excellence, a fulfilling career, and a deep devotion to her family.

Born in Chongqing, Sichuan Province, China, Fen’s early childhood was spent with her paternal grandmother and uncles in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. This was a temporary arrangement until her parents could establish their family in Taiwan amidst a complex political landscape. At the age of three and a half, she was escorted by her uncle to Taiwan, joining her parents and soon becoming the eldest of four siblings: Fong, Leisure, and Liter. The family’s adventures continued when her father, a chemical engineer, was sent by the UN to Nowshera, Pakistan, where Fen spent her teenage years.

Fen excelled academically, graduating from a Catholic convent high school in Nowshera with the top mark in the state matriculation exam. She commenced her university studies at Kinnaird College for Women in Lahore, Pakistan. A pivotal moment arrived when American officers, stationed at a nearby Air Force base, encouraged her family to send Fen to pursue higher education in the United States. With their support, Fen embarked on a new chapter in the United States. She started her stay in the US getting a perm and working a drive-in restaurant – on roller skates – in Aurora, Colorado before she began her studies at St. Mary of the Springs College (now Ohio Dominican University) in Columbus, Ohio.

Her time at St. Mary’s was filled with joy and lasting friendships, most notably with Patty Georges. It was during a Christmas break with Patty that she met Rob (Bobby) Lewis, the friend of Patty’s brother. Their connection was immediate and profound, blossoming into a lifelong love that endured for 54 years until Rob’s passing in 2021. Fen and Rob married in Akron, Ohio, in 1967, a significant year as it marked the end of state bans on interracial marriage.

After earning her degree, Fen began a Master’s program in Chemistry at Marquette University, later transferring to the University of Akron after the birth of her first son, Robert. While she initially worked in the cosmetics industry, her passion for education and desire to be more present for her children, Robert and Kimberly, led her to a fulfilling career as a teacher. For over 40 years, she inspired young minds, with 35 of those years dedicated to teaching science and math at Strongsville High School in Ohio. Her dedication and impact were recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Math Teaching in 1998. She was also repeatedly honored as the Most Influential Teacher by graduating classes, a testament to her lasting impact on her students, many of whom continued to send her Christmas cards decades later.

In retirement, Fen and Rob embraced a golden era in Sarasota, Florida, pursuing their passions and traveling extensively. Fen was a devoted birder and environmental advocate, volunteering as a bird steward to protect nesting birds on local beaches. She also shared her love of travel with Rob, embarking on cruises and visiting their children across the country. Fen and Rob were thrilled with the arrival of their first grandchild, Claire and later, Evelyn, to daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Morgan, and would spend summers in Colorado to host sleepovers and generally spoil them.

The diagnosis of Rob’s Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2014 brought a major shift to their lifestyle. They stayed closer to their Florida home to guard Rob’s health, though they still enjoyed much of the retired life with their Village Walk friends. Joy came with two more granddaughters, Eleanor and Caroline, born to son Robert and daughter-in-law Megann. This was a time of enjoying walks around their beautiful neighborhood, hosting family and enjoying friends. Fen raised many orchids and tended small gardens on her lanai, as well as enjoying the natural beauty of Florida.

Rob’s health declined precipitously in 2019 and Fen took on a new role of full-time caregiver. Fen had a motto throughout her life, “It’s not a question of ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’, it’s a question of do.” This is how she approached the difficult regimen of care for Rob, with diligence and unthinking self-sacrifice. Tragically, upon his death, she discovered that she was sick with cancer. In June 2022, she moved to Highlands Ranch, Colorado to receive specialized medical attention for her illness and to be closer to Kimberly and make it easier for Robert to visit. She selected the Wind Crest Senior Living Community and found a second wind (no pun intended) in the wonderful people and fun activities, including swimming, mahjong, birding, and lecture series. She also adopted a cat, Tyger, who was her constant companion, including in walks around campus in his carrier. She liked to recite the William Blake poem to explain the spelling of Tyger’s name: “Tyger! Tyger! Burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?”

Fen celebrated her 80th birthday in October 2024, surrounded by family. Despite declining health, she remained resilient, cherishing her time with loved ones. Her spirit, characterized by strength and determination, never wavered.

Fen is survived by her children, Robert Lewis (Megann) and Kimberly Brown (Morgan); her granddaughters, Claire, Evelyn, Eleanor, and Caroline; and her siblings, Fong, Leisure, and Liter. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to an environmental or bird conservation organization of your choice, reflecting Fen’s lifelong passion for the natural world.

To view her virtual memorial, please visit the following link: https://virtualmemorialgatherings.com/fen-yu-lewis/