Lasting Memories
Charlotte Whitaker Lewis
Nov. 1, 1947-Dec. 29, 2011
San Francisco, California
Submitted by Jessica Lewis
Charlotte Ann Whitaker Lewis passed away on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Charlotte was an accomplished therapist, teacher, healer and mother to two extraordinary children -- Jared and Jessica. Charlotte was committed to her practice, her profession, her students and most importantly to her family.
She is survived by her four sisters, Patricia, Janice, Jacki and Karen; and three grandchildren, Rachel, Nathaniel and Jason; as well as scores of family members, students, friends and colleagues.
Charlotte was born on Nov. 1, 1947, in Palo Alto, Calif. Palo Alto was her home and meant a lot to her even after she moved to San Francisco. She attended Cubberley High School in Palo Alto and later attended Dominican College in San Rafael. She received her B.S. in Psychobiology and Neurophysiology from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). Originally, Charlotte wanted to pursue a career as a brain surgeon but over time she found her true calling as a spiritual Jungian psychologist. She received her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.
Charlotte wore many hats and was certainly multi-talented as well as multi-dimensional in her thinking and her lifestyle. She had a large private therapy practice, was a core faculty member at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, and co-owned two businesses -- Stillpoint Counseling Center and Living Systems Land Management. Charlotte was a healer in so many ways. She exemplified the living of an authentic life, one of purpose and action. Her life has had a profound effect on those she has touched. She has healed wounds, changed lives and been witness to many life journeys. Charlotte, above all, was kind and gracious and sought to always do the right and ethical thing on behalf of others in the world around her.
As a mother and grandmother, she was playful, an ever-present listener, a ferocious "Mama" bear and when she held you, the love from her arms pulsed through your body. In her; with her; and around her, everything was all right. Without her, life will be confusing and empty for those she touched; but her memory will remain pulsing through our bodies and hearts as a constant strength and warmth for us all. Charlotte accomplished so much in her life and will leave a lasting legacy not only for her family but also for all those she encountered.
As a memorial to her life, please join family, friends, students and colleagues on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at 1069 E. Meadow Road in Palo Alto for a service of memory, reflection and above all joy and celebration.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to the "Charlotte Whitaker Lewis Scholarship Fund" established through the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology to support students pursuing advanced degrees at the school. Gifts can be made online at http://itp.givezooks.com/campaigns/in-memory-of-charlotte , or by mailing a check payable to ITP to 1069 E. Meadow Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94303. Please note on the check that your gift is in memory of Charlotte. Your gift will thus ensure her legacy and assist those similarly committed passionately to education and the advancement of the soul. For questions please e-mail Jessica Lewis at cresentmoons@hotmail.com.
May 5, 2021
I was a doctoral intern under Charlotte's supervision in SF. Charlotte's compassion and wisdom touched me deeply. We met weekly in her office to discuss client cases, and there was plenty of laughter and tears (mine) as Charlotte allowed her students to open themselves and be real. Charlotte's love and faith in the Divine were profound. I will always remember her and I trust she is happy where she is.
Oct. 29, 2014
I still remember the first day of the first-class I took from Charlotte at ITP. She was nervous about speaking and she told us about it. Charlotte could be vulnerable with us and dazzle us with her intelligence and sensitivity--all at the same time. I am so sad to hear that she is gone and I am so glad that I had the privilege to know her. She had grace in every sense of the word. (Flip Caldwell 10/29/14)
Feb. 15, 2012
I will never forget Charlotte's compassion, warmth and intelligence, which changed my life in an immeasurable way. I want to thank her for that and extend my condolences to her family. She will be deeply missed and not forgotten.
Jan. 25, 2012
Charlotte, you were an extremely rare and significant presence in my life. Over a period of 5 years, you helped me get through stunning grief, find acceptance of life on life's terms, and realize that I could stop "agreeing to be invisible." You helped me understand more about the nature of love in the world, and in you I know I've known a true bodhisattva. Perhaps now you've seen Pepper, my other bodhisattva, again. I hope so. I will miss you in the world. Thank you so very much for all you've been for me. Love, Susie
Jan. 20, 2012
Jessica, You mom sounds like she had not only a wonderful impact on your life, but that of so many others. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your kids.
Jan. 19, 2012
Jessica, I'm sorry I never got to meet your Mom. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Jan. 13, 2012
I am missing you every moment Mom. You are my "person" forever! I can't hear you or touch you and that is painful. Wrap your love around me and walk me through this life struggle as you have done all my life. I need you now more than ever. Meet me in my dreams Mom. I Love You!
Jan. 13, 2012
Jessica, It's Denise from Jazzercise / Vicky's Fitness For Life class. Just want you to know that I am sending you strength through this very difficult time. Know that my prayers are with you and your family...the memories will always be with you. Always, Denise