Mary Elizabeth Lewis Lash

April 21,1928 - February 5, 2022

Mary was born on April 21,1928 on a 25-acre farm called the Golden Gate Ranch, to parents Edward Cadman Lewis and Bertha Johanna Rothenberger. The home she was born in and lived in her entire life was built in 1871 and is the oldest residence in Downey. They grew corn, cabbage, green beans, and sugar beets for Knott’s Berry Farm and other local consumers. Mary’s father died when she was 14 and her brother Ed who was 10 years older took over the farming.

A member of the Downey United Methodist Church all her life. She served on the Administrative Board, was a worship and music chairperson, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, and vacation bible school teacher, as well as Women’s Society officer and Chairperson.

Mary was active in the 4-H youth program for 83 years. Mary’s father was a 4-H leader and her brother Ed a member before she was born. Starting in 1960 to 2008 Mary, Ed and wife Emily began planning menus and cooking every year for two-week sessions at the 4-H Summer Camp.

Mary served as the Downey Greenleaf 4-H Club Community Leader from the age of 17 (1945). In 2012 she was awarded the Keith Barnes 4-H Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (Golden Clover). There have been thousands of former 4-Hers who have been inspired and benefited from Mary’s generous contribution of her time and resources. Mary was always patient, thoughtful, positive, giving and an incredible representation of the best 4-H has to offer.

Mary’s mentor was her 4-H leader in the Alameda School Girls 4-H Club. She was a kindergarten teacher and was the inspiration for Mary to become a teacher. Mary graduated from Downey High School in 1946. She attended Compton College, Pepperdine University, and received her master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.

Mary was a 2001 Inductee to the Downey High School’s Hall of Fame.

She has been recognized by the California Department of Education as the state’s longest-serving credentialed teacher and for her commitment, inspiration and enduring efforts on behalf of students. Mary is mentioned in the Congressional Record as the longest tenured schoolteacher in the country and taught Home Economics at Paramount High School for 67 years. She has a street on campus named after her.

She was the Director of the Future Homemakers Association (FHA/HERO) at her school and the Paramount High School Corsaires (Service Club). She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (professional honorary society of women educators) for 57 years.

A block away from Mary’s home in Downey you will find the Lewis Elementary School that was named after her father. Edward C Lewis was very active and well respected in the community and at church and served on the school board for twelve years. Mary’s brother Edward H Lewis was on the local planning commission, and school board. He also had great support of the community.

Mary Lash is an inspiration. All awards and honors do not change the relationships she had with family, friends and students. Mary was available for conversations and visits. People, young and old, eagerly awaited her greeting with a hug. They sat close to enjoy her warmth, kindness and loving nature. We thank you. You will always be our motivation.

Mary was a cancer survivor. In 2007 she was diagnosis with stage 4 cancer stemming from the root of the appendix and had surgery. They were not able to get all of the cancer. She had Chemotherapy from 2007 to 2013. The cancer remained in remission after treatment. She had never taken a sick day from school until then. She was able to use her over two years of accumulated sick time to keep working while recuperating and having days off for Chemo. Her strength and perseverance were remarkable.

Mary was loved and adored by so many. She saved hundreds of cards and letters from former students, friends, and club members thanking her for the role she played in their lives and accrediting her for the people they had become.

She taught children and young adults how to sew, cook, plan and prepare healthy meals, care for livestock, and much more. Above all, she taught by example how to be amazing human beings. Through selfless devotion, patients, honesty, respect, humor, and kindness. We will forever be grateful to her and honor her legacy.

Mary passed away on February 5, 2022, at the age of 93. She was laid to rest at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, CA.

Memorial Service was held at Downey United Methodist Church on April 30, 2022.