A community is in mourning after Bradford mother of two, Lindsey Lewis, lost her battle with cancer Friday, Sept. 16.
"It is with broken hearts, we share the news of Lindsey’s passing on Friday, September 16, at home, surrounded by her loved ones," read part of a message written by Lewis' aunt, Donna Walton, on a Go Fund Me page she created last year for her niece.
The former Newmarket resident was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) — a rapidly progressing form of blood cancer in September 2021.
She began undergoing aggressive chemotherapy treatment immediately at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and has been in and out of the hospital over the past year while the community stepped up to help fill in the gaps for Lewis at home, starting a meal train, providing Christmas gifts, hosting a fundraising barbecue, and donating to the Go Fund Me Page.
In the past few days, donations have been pouring into the Go Fund Me page, which, at the time of publishing, has raised nearly $40,000.
Lewis was always appreciative of the support she received from the community.
"I am grateful for every little thing, whether it’s someone taking my garbage out or collecting groceries for me, or driving the kids to school. All of the extra help has enabled me to remain at home and be independent through all of this," she said last December.
On Sunday, Bradford held its annual Terry Fox Run with some community members dedicating their run to Lewis.
A visitation will take place on today, Monday, Sept. 19 at Roadhouse and Rose funeral home in Newmarket from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments. Interment will take place at Queensville Cemetery at 2 p.m.
According to her obituary, Lewis lived life to the fullest. She lived in Aurora, Newmarket, Queensville and Bradford and made many friends along the way. She also volunteered at the Season's Centre for Grieving Children in Barrie.
"Her children were the central focus of her life. She loved them with all her heart! Lindsey is finally pain free. She was loved so very much. We will miss that beautiful smile..." read part of the obituary.
Family has asked those attending to refrain from wearing black, but instead, wear colourful clothes in her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children are appreciated. Donations may be made directly to the charity or at the funeral home. Click here to donate to the Season’s Centre for Grieving Children.
The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Click here to watch the service
Donations made to Lewis' Go Fund Me page here will go toward Lewis's children's education and future.
