Tina Loretta Lewy

1949 - 2021
      In the early hours of February 5, 2021, in Bakersfield, God opened his arms and welcomed Tina Loretta Lewy into his Paradise. After a valiant and lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease, Tina joined her husband of 50 years, Tim Lewy, who preceded her in death. Her final days were spent surrounded by friends and family, as was her wish.
      Tina was the second of two children born to George and Lucille Strelich. She and her brother, Steve Strelich, were born and raised in Bakersfield. Their parents' kindness, compassion, and boundless love were qualities Tina embodied and shared with others.
      Tina married her high school sweetheart and soul mate, Tim Lewy. For more than half a century they embarked on countless adventures. She loved him completely. Their union was blessed with two sons, Tim and Jasen Lewy, and together they created a legacy of family and professional accomplishments. Tina treasured her role as mother. She nourished her son's growth, soothed their woes, and showered them with unconditional love. She felt blessed beyond measure when grandchildren arrived. They lovingly called her Mimi, and simply being in their presence was often the highlight of her day. Laughter and screams of delight filled countless evenings while playing the card game, 31, with all of her grandchildren. Mimi would move heaven and earth for them.
      Tina was gracious, elegant, and kindhearted. She indulged her adventurous spirit with fast cars, downhill skiing, coastal hikes, skydiving, and traveling. She treasured her daughters-in-law, sister-in-law, and the gift of numerous lifelong friendships.
      Tina was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her in-laws, Habeeb and Lois Lewy. Those left to remember her gentle soul are her sons and daughters-in-law Tim and Christine Lewy and Jasen and Melissa Lewy, her brother Steve Strelich and his wife MaeLeslie, and their son Stefan. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michael, Grace, Matthew, Logan, and Liam Lewy. A special thank you to Rhonda Eggert, Sujey Bernal, Marla Bradley, Dawn Boromeo, Pat Ortiz, the wonderful staff with Hoffmann Hospice, and Dr. Indu Subramanian at UCLA. The family gives them and everyone else who cared for Tina their greatest and warmest gratitude.
      In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Tina Lewy may be made to support Dr. Indu Subramanian's Parkinson's research online: giving.ucla.edu/lewy. Please make checks payable to "UCLA Foundation" memo: fund 14420 & mail to UCLA Foundation, PO Box 7145, Pasadena, CA 91109. Questions? Email Liz Naito: enaito@mednet.ucla.edu