Melba Lewis

Melba Lewis passed peacefully in her sleep the morning of August 8 in San Rafael, California at the age of 87. Born in Managua, Nicaragua to Rodolfo Alvarez and Maria Lucrecia Barahona Cruz, Melba moved to Los Angeles California in 1961 to begin the next chapter of her life. It was in Los Angeles where Melba would meet her future husband, George C. Lewis, an Army soldier studying Spanish at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. They were married in 1963 and relocated to Lockhart, Florida in 1966 to be near George’s parents. 

While raising two children, Melba navigated the challenges of a new culture and learned English. She proudly earned her US Citizenship in 1975. As one of five siblings, she relished family gatherings with George’s parents and her siblings, Fidelia, Aura, Yelma, Guillermo and their families. When George’s mother’s health declined, she lovingly helped her father-in-law care for her. Following the premature death of her husband, Melba persevered and thrived with the support of her family, neighbors, and her friends at the Orlando International Worship Center. 

Following complications from a stroke in 2015, Melba moved to San Rafael to be with her daughter. She quickly endeared herself to the residents and staff of Comforting Hands Forever. Despite the physical challenges she battled, Melba maintained a positive and loving demeanor to her last breath.

Melba’s husband, her son Frank G. Lewis and sisters, Aura and Fidelia, preceded her in death. Melba is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Lewis, brother Guillermo Alvarez and sister Yelma Alvarez. May she rest in peace.