Eva Heckman Lewis' Obituary
Eva Heckman Lewis December 23, 1923 – January 23, 2025
Eva Heckman Lewis, a beloved resident of San Diego County for 68 years, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025 at the age of 101.
Born December 23, 1923, in Fredonia, Pennsylvania, Eva spent her childhood growing up on a farm in western Pennsylvania. A dedicated and brilliant student, she graduated as valedictorian from Grove City College and later earned her Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She began her teaching career at New Brighton High School, where she taught Business Education for seven years.
While vacationing in San Diego, Eva met the love of her life, Charlie Lewis. Their romance inspired her move to San Diego, where they both worked at Convair before marrying in 1952 in her hometown of Fredonia.
Eva and Charlie settled in El Cajon, raising three children. In the early 1960s, Eva returned to teaching as an instructor in the Grossmont Adult Education system, where she taught business classes for over two decades. She retired in the late 1980s, dedicating her time to tending the couple’s 140+ rose bushes, traveling abroad, and lovingly teaching English and writing to her five grandchildren.
Eva was preceded in death by her husband Charlie and her youngest son Russ. She is survived by her sister Ila, her children Ron (Jan) and Diane (Michael), and her grandchildren Ronnie (Marina), Steven, Ian, Nick, and Mia.
Eva and Charlie were passionate gardeners and life members of both the San Diego Rose Society and the East County Rose Society. Their roses were a source of joy and admiration for family and friends. The same can be said for their pecan and pomegranate harvests that continued until 2010.
Eva will be remembered for her kindness, intelligence, and dedication to her family. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the beauty she cultivated in the world.
Interment will be at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery with memorial services at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3902 Kenwood Drive, Spring Valley on February 8th at 11 a.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Eva?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eva?
Share a story where Eva's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eva you’ll never forget.
How did Eva make you smile?
