When Marie Lewis found out her future sister-in-law, Sherri Fieramusca, won a half-million-dollar Lotto jackpot in December, she never expected that she would win a Lotto jackpot of her own—but that’s exactly what happened. On Friday, Lewis claimed a $425,000 Lotto jackpot-winning ticket at Lottery headquarters, which was purchased from the exact same retailer as her future sister-in-law just one month before.

Lewis, a 43-year-old resident of Violet, and Fieramusca, purchased a handful of tickets for the Jan. 20 drawing from Hoffer’s Discount Stop in Chalmette. The two of them divvied up the tickets before the drawing, with Lewis luckily grabbing the stack that contained the winning ticket.

“It really is hard to believe,” Lewis said. “I was in shock, really.”

The store received a selling bonus of $4,250, which is 1 percent of the jackpot prize.

Lewis received $297,500 after state and federal tax withholdings. She said her initial plans will be to pay off a few bills with the winnings.

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help.

For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing. More information about other Lotto winners can be found on the Lottery's website, www.louisianalottery.com.