Remembering and Celebrating Sasha

Sasha Naomi Hettich (Lewis), aged 27, passed away December 25th, 2015 after having lost her courageous battle with postpartum depression.

Sasha was many things to many people; a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a compassionate friend, but to define her only in these terms would be an injustice. With her sharp wit, her wordsmithing, and her constant consumption of knowledge through books and podcasts, Sasha was not only always challenging herself, but those around her, to be the best versions of themselves. She was an inspiration, a brilliant flash of light that burned out far too soon.

Sasha was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana on August 5th, 1988. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 2007 and went on to attend Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. To have known her through this time in her life, one might remember how often she wrote, spilling her thoughts into notebooks and journals in neat penmanship with her abundant supply of gel pens. You might remember the way that she played guitar and sang softly and beautifully, perhaps a little unsure of her talent. To know her was to also be shocked by her uncanny ability to remember dates, proving that there were very few moments with friends and family that were insignificant to Sasha. She also had a knack for commemorating those who were dear to her, both living and gone, her ability to love so deeply was always so beautifully shared with those around her. This was also the time in Sasha’s life that she was falling madly in love with Cody Hettich, the man she would marry on May 31st, 2008.

Almost a year after graduating from Cornerstone, in the summer of 2012, Sasha gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Ember. Sasha was a wonderful, loving, and dedicated mother. If you had the privilege of knowing Sasha through these years, you might remember her love for coffee, and the many pictures of her and Ember sharing drinks from her favorite cafes. Sasha was also passionate about parenting as naturally and organically as she could. While maintaining her own interests, she invested passion in being the best mother to her daughter. Those who knew her through this time would remember bike rides, trips to the library and the Y, and her involvement in her local community and the James Russell house. Sasha was always giving of her time and herself to those around her, sharing her wit, wisdom, and delightful laughter. In the summer of 2015, Sasha brought her beautiful son, Gus, into the world. Her time with him was too brief, but in the time she had with him, she was the best mother she could be.

Sasha’s life was too tragically brief, but those of us who were so fortunate to know her, to love her, and be loved by her, will carry her with us always. Our lives are all the more lovely and bright for having encountered her. She should be remembered always for her love, her kindness, her passion and her bravery.

Sasha is survived by her husband, Cody Hettich;  daughter, Ember Hettich; and son, Augustus (Gus) Hettich of Grand Rapids;  father, John Lewis and mother, Bridget Lewis of Crawfordsville; Sister, Brooke Decker (Shannon) of Crawfordsville; Brother, Seth Lewis of Crawfordsville;   Maternal Grandmother, Norma Wise (Tony) of Crawfordsville;  Paternal Grandmother, Martha Aders of Frankfort.  She is also survived by many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Sasha was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandfather,  Larry Lewis; cousins, Shane Ellis and Evin Jarman.

A memorial service for Sasha will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 am (10 am visitation) at:

Ada Bible Church

8899 Cascade Road SE
Ada, MI 49301

In lieu of flowers, please donate to helping other moms suffering from postpartum depression at: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/momsbloom

Memorial Contributions may be made to help the Hettich family at:
www.gofundme.com/sashagr

In honor of Sasha’s battle, if you are suffering with postpartum, please seek help
www.postpartum.net/