Helen Catherine Lewis
advocated for children in divorcing families
Helen Catherine Lewis, a retired clinical social worker and family therapist, passed away on June 27, 2014.
Affectionately admired as “a sweet lady,” Mrs. Lewis was exceptionally influential as a witness in the Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations where she testified on behalf of children and their divorcing families until her retirement in 1997. “The other workers marveled at her grace, her tenacity, and her ability to pursue information from reluctant clients and collateral professionals,” said supervisor, Gary Crouch. “She was able to get therapists, physicians, and psychiatrists to talk with her when others had failed.” Formerly, she worked at the Family Service of the Cincinnati Area and the Children’s Home of Cincinnati.
She received a bachelor’s degree from Howard University in 1951 and a master’s degree in clinical social work from Smith College in 1978. Formerly, she was a member of the Ohio Society for Clinical Social Work. In 2013, she proudly celebrated her 35th year as a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
She was a member of the Myra Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star (PHA) Oziel Chapter #23 of Maryland for 60 years.
Born February 17, 1930 in St. Michaels on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, she was preceded in death by her parents, James and Henrietta Cooper; her husband of 44 years, John T. Lewis; and her spiritual mother, Gladys Callender. Survivors include daughters, Nina and Robin Lewis of Cincinnati, OH, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, Alice Withers (aunt) of San Pablo, CA, and Judge James E. Thomas (uncle) and Mary Thomas of Owings Mills, MD, and a host of nieces, cousins, colleagues, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in memory of Helen and John T. Lewis to:
Hospice of Cincinnati
4360 Cooper Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242
513.891-7700