Frances C. Lewis
October 24, 1933 – July 31, 2022

Frances “Fran” Young Corbin Lewis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88, in Eureka. She shared her broad smile with one foot in heaven during her last days.

Fran was born to Frances Young (Gregg) Corbin and Judson Stephen Corbin on October 24, 1933, in Urbana, Ohio, and had a younger brother, Stephen. She went to school in Ridgewood, New Jersey, moved to Phoenix, Arizona during her 8th grade, back to Urbana for 9th grade, then finished high school back in Ridgewood. She said changing schools had the good result of making new friends. 

Fran received a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University in 1956, then married her college sweetheart Richard (Dick) Lewis, and started a family in upstate New York. After the births of their first three children, Richard (Rich), Catherine (Cathy) and Suzanne (Suzi), they relocated to Mountain View, California, for Richard’s work at Lockheed Missiles and Space, Palo Alto. There Fran had the twins Frances (Frankie) & Jon before settling in Saratoga and having Kelley. Her New York doctor didn’t tell her she was to expect twins - a California surprise! Fran enjoyed family time with projects, concerts, neighborhood holiday celebrations, and camping. Fran and Dick traveled together including to Mexico, England, Wales, Spain, France and Portugal, making memories and friends.

Fran loved fine art, visits to San Francisco, music, travel, architecture, Christian ministry, family and spending time helping others. She volunteered at Hansen Elementary School in the Library and the Music Department, and played piano. She worked at Saratoga Federated Church as the Director of Children’s Education from 1972-76, and stayed involved for years either singing in the church choir, hosting the weekly College and Career Group, or participating in the Nancy Lane/East San Jose children’s tutoring and outreach ministry. Neighbors and church friends visited often. Fran also hosted many formal dinner parties for Dick’s colleagues from around the world. After her divorce from Dick, Fran moved to San Jose and took a position at CityTeam Ministries as the Girl’s Ministry leader for five years. Fran took a wonderful trip to Turkey to tour Bible lands. She held love for and friendship with Dick until his passing in 2017.

In 2002, Fran retired and moved to Blue Lake in Humboldt County. She met her second husband, Roy Campbell, at Blue Lake Community Church. They married in 2003, adding Papa “Cowboy” Roy and two step-children, Jamie (Glenn) & Linda, to her family story. Roy was a proud Texan and Army Veteran, a tale teller and a Eureka Flea Market mainstay, sharing much love and fun with Fran. They traveled to Alaska, and took a road trip to Texas together via New Mexico, Utah and Las Vegas. They hosted many family gatherings at their Blue Lake home. Roy passed away at home in 2010.

Fran was a truly refined, intelligent, gracious, classy and charming lady who imparted her love for God, service and aesthetic beauty to her family. She often said her mind worked differently, liking different perspectives and angles. Fran continued her efforts for God’s work and love by supporting Mercy Corps, PBS, St. Jude’s, Open Door Libraries, and Doctors Without Borders regularly through her last years.

Fran was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, her brother Stephen, dear niece Lorena, and her grandson Lyle. Fran is survived by all six children, cousin Will Cole, nieces Pamela and Janet, nephews Wil and Mark, 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed, and loved forever.

Special thank-yous go out to many caring staff at Alder Bay, Humboldt House Lodge, Timber Ridge, and Hospice of Humboldt.

A memorial service and a celebration of life are planned November 11-12, 2022.

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The obituary above was submitted by Fran Lewis’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.