Linda Christine Lewis (Williams)

Linda Christine Lewis (Williams) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday evening, February 24, 2025. Born on October 7, 1949, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the first daughter of Gloria Christine (Dickey) and Richard Lewis Williams. Early on, the vibrant family relocated to Central Austin, where they embraced the warmth of her mother’s family.

Linda attended Pierce Junior High School and graduated with honors from Reagan High School with the Class of '67, where she distinguished herself as a first-chair clarinetist and Drum Major during her junior year. She furthered her education at Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State University), where she received her Bachelor's Degree majoring in U.S. History and Education. It was during her college years, she met her first husband, John Hausladen. After graduating, she obtained her teaching certificate and began her career as a U.S. History teacher in Minot, North Dakota, where she welcomed two sons, Matthew Richard and Joshua Anthony. Following her mother’s example, Linda returned to Central Austin to be close to her family.

Shortly after moving back to Austin, life led Linda down a path of challenges when she became a single mother. Determined to provide for her children, she embarked on what would become a distinguished career in sales during the nascent years of the Hi-Tech industry, starting with fax machines and advancing to help several startups flourish. This dynamic career allowed her to travel extensively to every major city across the United States. 

In 1979, Linda married Douglas Scott Lewis, and together they shared a loving partnership that flourished for over 37 years until his passing in September 2016. Linda and Scott bonded over shared passions, including a joyful adventure that began by acquiring an African Grey parrot, after enjoying several margaritas one evening at Matt’s El Rancho Restaurant. This ultimately led them to become devoted caregivers of over 75 pairs and various species of parrots in their East Austin backyard.

Despite her busy work life, which required extensive traveling, Linda remained committed to her family, creating cherished memories during weekends and holidays spent in Elgin, where the family would always gather. She especially enjoyed yearly ski trips with her family in Colorado, cruises with her friends and family, and often remarked about how much she loved her trip to Africa with Matt. Linda also actively contributed to her community, serving as Assistant Scout Master for Troop 88, proudly helping several young men achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout, most especially her son. She later volunteered with CASA for several years, serving as an Advocate.

After proudly establishing and operating her own successful executive search firm for several years, where she helped many former colleagues fill engineering and executive positions, she decided to switch careers again. This time she followed her heart rather than financial incentives, entering the nursing field. At the young age of 50, she enrolled in Austin Community College’s Nursing Program, where she graduated with honors and ultimately found her true calling as a Hospice Nurse, dedicating her time to caring for others until her retirement at 65.

Following the heart-wrenching loss of her oldest son, Matt, in 2019, Linda rekindled her love for the game of Bridge, where she achieved the title of Silver Life Master. This passion allowed her to foster lasting friendships, especially with her dear partners Marcia, Ed, B.J., and longtime friend, Tom. Alongside bridge games, Linda was a voracious reader, often losing herself in multi-volume historical fiction and non-fiction. However, no matter what was going on, at 3:30 PM, the world stopped spinning to ensure she never missed an episode of Jeopardy!

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Douglas Scott Lewis; her son, Matthew Richard Lewis; her parents, Gloria and Dick Williams; and her sister, MaryAnn Welch; her uncles, George Williams and Raymond Dickey, II, as well as her aunts, Roberta Havis, Florence Joiner, and Joy Pelham.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Joshua Anthony Hausladen and wife Jamie; granddaughters, Alyson Rhiannon Peña, Sophia Ann Hausladen, Gracie and husband Ferando Aguero, and Hannah and husband Zachery Jones; niece, Heather Christine Welch; nephew, Samuel Lewis Welch and wife Lauren and their three sons Sam, Jackson, and Lane. She will be greatly missed by numerous cousins, extended family, and dear friends, including her best friends, Sharon Saunders and Hugh Reeder.  Also mourning her loss are her companions, Ludwig, Gretel, Lilly, Callie, and Macho.  Linda's spirit, love, and laughter will remain in the hearts of all those who knew her.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Sunday, March 2nd, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM with Pastors Greg Long and Lindsey Wilson presiding.  Family will gather for a Graveside Service at Elgin Cemetery, Tuesday, April 1st at 10:00 AM.