09/03/2026
We are saddened by the news of the death of Dr. Shirley Lewis, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1. Shirley was a longtime employee and devoted supporter of Aquinas College.
At Aquinas, she served as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Chairperson of the Psychology Department, Professor of Education, and Professor Emerita. Among her many forward-thinking endeavors, Shirley played a leading role in bringing the University of Detroit Mercy nursing program to Aquinas and developed the liberal arts curriculum for the program.
In 2009, Shirley and her husband, Rabbi Al Lewis, received the College’s Norbert J. Hruby Emeritus Award in recognition of their many contributions to Aquinas.
Shirley’s generosity and commitment to the campus community, and to the broader community, were evident in the many projects she led and supported and the many boards and organizations on which she served. We are grateful for the wisdom, energy, compassion, and joy Shirley shared with the Aquinas community. We extend our deepest sympathies to Rabbi Al and to all of Shirley’s family and loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at Temple Emanuel, 1715 E. Fulton St., on Friday, Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the life of Shirley Lewis and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.
