Hendrika Willemina Eugster Lewis, 82, of Greencastle, PA passed away Friday October 4, 2024 at the Chambersburg Skilled Nursing and Rehab Home. She was the daughter of the late Johannes and Gaye(Delange) Eugster.
Hendrika lovingly known as Rita, was born November 7, 1941, in Enschede, Holland. She was the second of four children. After surviving World War II, the family immigrated to the United States in 1956. They first settled in Denver, and a few months later moved to Antioch, a town within the San Francisco Bay Area. Rita moved to San Francisco after graduating from Pleasant Hill High School and going to secretarial school. There she met her future husband, Evan D. “Lew” Lewis, at the corner of Powell and Market Streets while he was a gripman on the Cable Cars. They were married in May 1964 and lived in San Francisco, then moved to their forever home in Fairfax, Marin County in 1966. In 1968, they welcomed their daughter JoAnne and in 1971, their son Robert.
Together, they were very active in their community, church, Fairfax Fire Department and various volunteer organizations. Giving back was an important part of their life. Rita was also a seamstress who made clothes for her family. She made everything from play clothes to school uniforms to formal gowns! She enjoyed knitting scarfs, more baby blankets than can be counted, sweaters and hats.
In 2001, even though she lost her beloved husband to a sudden cardiac arrest; she continued working, volunteering and was an active member in the church choir. She was very proud of her Dutch heritage. Her home was filled with Delftware. Even her kitchen had Dutch backsplash tiles! She enjoyed music of all kinds, but especially Elvis. She knew all the words to all his songs! Her love of dogs was well known, she had dogs throughout her life.
Rita is survived by her siblings Michael (Penny), Cora (Jack) and John (Diane); her daughter JoAnne, son Robert, daughter-in-law Mercedes; grandchildren Emillie, Soraya, Mitchel and their spouses; and great grandchildren Leila, Jackson, Lucas and Sofiya.
Arrangements are entrusted by SimpleChoice Cremation Services Inc. of Chambersburg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.simple-choicecremation.com
