Jill M Lewis
I know it is rare for the person who has passed to write their own obituary, but then if you knew me….Jill Lewis, you would know it was to be expected. Eight years ago I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Even though this cancer slowly took my body, it never broke my spirit or the loves of my life. The goal I lived with each day was to have “Jill days” over “cancer days”. The most difficult part of this journey, was knowing that one day I would have to leave my beloved family and dear friends.
I am survived by the love of my life, my soul mate, my best friend and husband, Jim Lewis. We both knew that there was no marriage that could compare to our relationship here on earth. I have no doubt our marriage was a gift from God to make my everyday an awesome day. I am also survived by my two inspiring, incredible children, Karly and Peter. There are few Mothers that could be as proud of their children as I was. Jim, myself, Karly and Peter were the true essence of family.
In addition to my immediate family, I am survived by a wonderful, supportive system of relatives including mother, Phyllis Aldworth, brothers, Dan (Connie), Joe (Kathy), and sister Jane Rodriquez (Johnny) and many nieces, nephews, and great nephews.
I am especially thankful for these friends who were as close to family to me….Louise and Joe Heimler, Jane Henderson, Sandy and Brian Torgusson, Carrie Knutson, Adam Mucks, Jamie Lynch, Chris Anibas, Millie Kotolek, Carolyn Mertz, Nicole LeDoux, Sue Slightam and Mark Hillman.
I am looking forward to joining my family members that have preceded me in death, my father, Max Aldworth and brother, Ted Aldworth.
Following my marriage to Jim Lewis in 1984, we spent 20 years farming side by side in the communities of Stewartville, Kasson, and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In 2001, we moved to Menomonie to be closer to family and Jim’s new job.
I was hired as an Advisor for the UW Stout Educational Talent Search Program. I never dreamed a job could give more than what you could receive. The joy of this was watching my students go on to achieve their potential through higher education. I thank the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District for the opportunity to be so intricate in their school advising program. I also thank Stout and my wonderful coworkers for the support and vision to get this program to where it is today.
Jim, Karly, and Peter- I must again express how blessed I have been to have had you in my life. There was no way Cancer could ever take away my attitude of appreciating the three people who made my every day worth living. Because I was always able to hold onto that thought, cancer lost the battle of stripping the most important things I lived for.
In all of the places I lived, I was blessed to be surrounded by dear, dear friends and beautiful memories that helped sustain me during my last days. I know many of you reached out in prayers and I felt your love every day. To leave the family I loved so dearly and all of you was so very, very hard. Think of me whenever you see a purple flower or taste the sweetness of a blueberry- for I will be with you and you with me.
Love,
Just Jill
Jill passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday morning surrounded by family.
In lieu of flowers, Jill preferred memorials to the Cedarbrook Church, Menomonie. Jill requested casual attire to funeral service.
Visitation will be Monday, June 14, at Cedarbrook Church in Menomonie from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m. Jill’s Life Celebration will be on Tuesday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at Cedarbrook Church, Menomonie.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services-Menomonie is serving the family.