Joanne's light extinguished too soon

The Bonteheuwel community is mourning the loss of one of their own – Joanne Lewis, 52, who died on Tuesday May 6, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. 

The late Ms Lewis and her brothers Jeremy and Jonathan Lewis, were among the first set of triplets born in the Western Cape in April 1973, at Somerset Hospital. 

After completing her schooling at Belgravia High School, Ms Lewis worked at a major supermarket chain, where she advanced to an assistant manager position. She later worked for another national company before joining the Amy (Biehl) Foundation. The latter is where she got to live out her passion, and she didn’t look back.

She served on the School Governing Bodies of Cedar Primary School and Bonteheuwel High School. She also served as the deputy chairperson of the Bonteheuwel Substance Abuse Forum. Ms Lewis also served on the Strengthening Families Forum for the City of Cape Town and was the manager of Bonteheuwel High School’s marching band. 

Her brother, Jeremy said: “As an active community worker, Joanne also assisted on the Beitul Maal Feeding Scheme and food garden. She was a dedicated member of the Moravian Church in Bonteheuwel where she, my brother and I, were baptised and confirmed. She served as captain of the congregation’s Girls’ Brigade and was a founder member of the congregation’s young women’s association known as Wings – Women in God’s Service.” 

Her former teacher at Belgravia High School, Regan Ford, described Ms Lewis as a cherished member of the community “whose light was extinguished far too soon”. 

He added: “Joanne's journey in this world came to an end, but her impact on our lives will continue for generations to come. Her story is deeply intertwined with the fabric of Belgravia High School. In 1988, she walked those halls as one of a remarkable set of triplets alongside her brothers, Jeremy and Jonathan. Even then, she showed the strength of character and warmth of spirit that would define her life. Those of us fortunate enough to have taught her remember a bright, determined young woman with an infectious smile and unwavering dedication.”

Mr Ford said Ms Lewis’ connection to education ran deep. 

“Not only was she the beloved niece of  Anna Barnes, who served as Belgravia High's dedicated secretary for many years, but Joanne herself also chose to contribute to our community's future through her administrative role at Bonteheuwel High School. Her colleagues speak of her efficiency, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel valued and seen. In Joanne, we saw the very best of what our community represents – resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to family and education. The Belgravia High School community has truly lost a daughter, but her spirit will continue to inspire us,” he said.

Mr Ford implored all those who knew and loved her to not only remember her with sadness.

“Let us remember her not with sadness alone, but with gratitude for having known her. Let us carry forward her dedication to education, her commitment to community, and her boundless love for family.”

Ms Lewis is survived by her sons, Jamie Jihaad, Joël, Jodie and daughter, Jessie. 

“Jessie, her youngest, is in Grade 12 this year. She was always so proud of her children’s achievements. She was a diligent, proud, and dedicated servant of the Lord and raised her children in the love of God. For this, we will forever be grateful,” Jeremy Lewis said.