Gloria J. Lewis PhD

Gloria J. Lewis, PhD passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2022 in the home she loved surrounded by her family. She was 93 1/2 years young with an incredible zest for life.

Gloria was born on April 15, 1929 to John and Lenora Hagaman. She grew up on a farm in Orange, NJ with her younger sister Barbara (Ralph) Albrecht. She attended University of Illinois where she received a B.S. in psychology graduating Summa Cum Laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. It is there she first laid eyes on her soulmate and love of her life, the late Robert “Bobby” Foreman Lewis. It was love at first sight for her and he was not far behind- they married just 3 weeks after graduation and spent a beautiful 48 years together sharing 2 daughters: Linda (Cecil) Morovits and Kathy (Brian) Hill.

She later attended Northwestern University where she earned her Masters and PhD in counseling psychology and taught as a lecturer for the graduate program. In 1968 she became Dean of Students and Director of Research at Mundelein College while concurrently serving as a coordinator at the Counseling Center for Women. In 1973, Dr. Lewis joined Loyola University and taught for 25 years serving as Emeritus Professor as well as Chairperson for the Department of Counseling Psychology for 10 years, also maintaining a part time private practice as she believed one should “practice what one preaches”.

Dr. Lewis’ insatiable appetite for knowledge and learning didn’t stop at her PhD. She was an avid reader, participant in many book clubs as well as an active member of OLLI. She enjoyed the arts and would frequent museums, the opera, symphony orchestra and theater throughout Chicago. She played tennis for 6 decades from the age of 4 with her mother and sister and then later with her beloved husband.

Gloria has been described as many things: one of a kind, a force, women’s libber, loyal, ahead of her time, generous. To Lee she was a daughter; sister to Barbara (Ralph) Albrecht, doting wife of the late Bobby Lewis; adored mother to Linda, Kathy, Cecil and Brian; cherished nonny to Robert Hill, Brittany and Jesse Dyer; greatest great-granny to Declan; and best friend of Casey 2. The impact she made on this world and to those around her is palpable. There is no doubt that she will be greatly missed.

Per her wishes, a private family service and interment were held. There will be a celebration of her life on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 12-3 pm. Friends should contact Brittany at 312-608-1757 by Tuesday, October 11th for details. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made by way of donations in her name to the charities of your choice. Sign guestbook at chicagotribune.com/obituaries.