Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Monday, August 28, 2006 at 05:37:37 :
Point Reyes Light - December 12, 2002
Nola Lewis dies of breast cancer
By Larken Bradley
Longtime West Marin resident, Nola Lewis, a research scientist and writer who investigated the impact of spirituality and consciousness on health and healing, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, in San Rafael, of complications from breast cancer. She was 64.
Explored therapy
As research program manager with the Institute of Noetic Sciences in Petaluma, Ms. Lewis explored scientific developments in the field of mind-body medicine. She was a contributing author to a book published earlier this year titled, Breast Cancer Beyond Convention. With co-author Dr. Marilyn Schlitz, Ms. Lewis’ chapter was entitled: "Directed Prayer and Conscious Intention: Demonstrating the Power of Distant Healing." The writings explored the therapeutic impact of prayer.
In 1993, she co-authored The Heart of Healing, which has since been translated into 20 languages. She served as research coordinator for a six-part television series of the same name.
A resident of Inverness, Bolinas, Point Reyes Station, and Marshall for more than 25 years, Ms. Lewis was also a member of Writers on the Edge, a San Francisco-based performance troupe whose material was drawn from the actors’ life experiences.
Born in Erdahl, Minnesota on Dec. 22, 1937, she and her two sisters grew up in St. Paul, where Ms. Lewis graduated from Hamline University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She married and moved with her husband to Los Angeles where she studied at UCLA, earning a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology.
Moved to San Francisco
Ms. Lewis later divorced and moved to San Francisco where she enrolled in a doctoral program in immunology at UCSF.
"She just missed having a Ph.D. by somebody turning off the refrigerator," reported friend Carolyn Powers of Fairfax. Faced with having to recreate several months’ worth of experiments, Ms. Lewis decided not to complete her dissertation, viewing the turn of events as, "the hand of the universe," Powers explained.
At a party in San Francisco Ms. Lewis met poet Tony Basilio, with whom she had her daughter, Serita Basilio-Lewis. The family lived together in West Marin for nearly a decade. Mr. Basilio died from cancer when his daughter was 15.
Despite the fact of being trained as a rational scientist, spirituality was at the heart of Ms. Lewis’ life. "She had big trust in the divine plan," her daughter told The Light on Monday.
Brilliant woman
"She was a brilliant woman," added friend Reishi Schweig of Inverness Park.
Remembered by friends and family for her calm, sweet, and loving nature, Ms. Lewis also had a striking flair for fashion. "She had bordering on divine guidance in thrift store shopping," marveled friend Kate Munger of Inverness. "She had the most beautiful wardrobe and very rarely spent a penny on it."
She is survived by her daughter, Serita Basilio-Lewis of San Rafael; and her sisters, Shirley LeDuc, and Jean Roath, both of Minnesota.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, 101 San Antonio Rd., Petaluma.
The family has suggested that any memorial contributions be made to the Center for Attitudinal Healing, 33 Buchanan Drive, Sausalito, CA 94965.
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