Karin B. Lewis of Avon, CT, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2023, from an extended illness.
Karin was born on February 25, 1953, in Hartford, CT, and raised in West Hartford, CT. She graduated from Conard High School in 1971 and earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Central CT State University from 1972 to 1989. She was a special education teacher in the Newington School system for over 40 years and very much enjoyed helping her students, especially with the Unified Sports program. Her proudest accomplishment was being a widely known fitness instructor and trainer, having taught classes at many gyms and sports clubs in the Hartford area, and was certified in Zumba, yoga, Pilates, barre and aerobics, to name a few. She also enjoyed competing in bodybuilding and other events during her summers off. She earned a PhD in holistic natural health and even wrote a book on the subject. She had an immense passion for the good health and well-being of herself and others.
Karin was best known for her positive attitude, generosity, patience and vibrant spirit. She loved Asian food, art and home design, animals, traveling, salsa dancing and dreamed of returning to Portugal one day.
She was pre-deceased by niece, Susan Crane
She is survived by several nieces: Dru Hall, Lisa Lewis, Sharon Gervais and Sandy Peloquin; nephew Chris Lewis; beloved great-niece, Chelsea Hall; her ex-husband and caretaker, Stephen DiMaria; several great-nieces and nephews and many loyal lifelong friends; and last but not least, her beloved poodles, Colby and Jacques.
Memorial services to be announced at a later date.
I met Ms. Lewis when I was a student at Newington High School (Class of 83). I was one of her students for over two years. I was not the best student or person at that time but she saw the good in me (as she did with all kids) and never gave up on me. It was because of her (and many other adults) that I graduated high school. Many years later, while I was in college, I was fortunate to work with her as a paraprofessional. I watched and listened to her during those years as a para and learned so much from her. She was such a gifted educator. After I began teaching, we would see each…
I first met Karin when I joined Simsbury Health and Fitness (formerly Gold's Gym) around 1994-1995) and we became friends shortly thereafter. I moved in with her several years ago and my most fondest memories of living with her were going dancing Saturday nights, watching "Outlander" (her favorite show) and "The Bachelor" and hanging out with her fur babies Jacques and Colby. To her family, I extend my love and condolences to you. To Karin...I will miss you and thank you for your friendship.
Jen Yates