Donna Beth Lewiss Brock, 84 of The Commons, Lincoln, formerly of Concord, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 10, in Concord.
Donna led an incredible and full life, and was a trailblazer for women in the workforce. A 1959 graduate of Brown University with advanced studies in Business and Electrical Engineering, Donna was a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and a graduate of the Program Managers Course at Defense Systems Management College and the Army Logistics and Acquisition Management Program. Prior to entering United States Government Service, Donna was employed in the private sector in the fields of radar development and system test. As a U.S. Army civilian, Donna was Chief of Software Engineering for various project and program offices, as well as for various functional organizations at the U.S. Army Missile Command. Her career as a senior civilian also included lead roles in various upgrades of high-end radars for Missile Defense Agency, serving as Director for Follow-on Systems Planning and Deputy Director for System Deployment. She had two papers presented and published on the subjects of software development, and determining appropriate sites for radar.
Donna was active in Toastmasters and was elected to the Toastmasters International Board of Directors after holding several state and regional offices. Donna was also a member of Mensa, IEEE and Federally Employed Women. In retirement, Donna was a volunteer facilitator at the Concord MA Council on Aging, a volunteer driver for a local charity, a Site Coordinator for Elderhostel programs in Boston, and an employee of the Town of Concord at the Concord Visitor Center. She enjoyed telling visitors about Concord as a licensed Concord Guide. As a volunteer Road Scholar Ambassador, she visited events and retirement communities to share the joy of adult learning through travel around the world. Donna followed her own advice taking over 50 trips, locally and globally, through Road Scholar. Donna was a lifelong learner and avid reader.
Her favorite times though were spent with family and friends, but especially those spent with her grandchildren. Donna will be missed by her children, Mark L. Brock, children Lilly and Samuel of Concord; Michelle D. Clemens, her husband Drew, and son Ilan of Concord; brother, Attorney Matthew L. Lewiss and his wife, Florence, of Westerly, RI. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including: Dr. Michael L. Rosenberg and his wife Karen and their sons, Dr. David Rosenberg, his wife Dr. Ariella Pratzer and their daughter Izzy of Toronto, Canada, and Eric Rosenberg of Washington, D.C.; Attorney Mark F. Rosenberg and his wife Sandy of Whitehouse Station, NJ and their daughter, Melissa Rosenberg of Durham, N.C.; Stephen D. Rosenberg and his wife Rene of Delray Beach, Florida.; Attorney Peter L. Lewiss of Westerly, RI; Dr. Resa E. Lewiss of Philadelphia, and Hilary A. Turano, Abigail and Chloe of Westerly, RI.
Donna was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Lillian Lewiss; her stepmother, Sylvia Lewiss, and her stepsister, Rita Rosenberg.
A graveside service and burial was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Norwich Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery #3, 62 Middle Road, Preston, Conn. 06365
Donations in Donna’s memory may be made to the Joseph Lewiss Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Matthew L. Lewiss, 79 Franklin Street, Westerly, RI 02891
Arrangements were entrusted to the Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, Conn. For online condolences visit www.churchandallen.com
