Donna Beth Brock

Donna led an incredible and full life, and was a trailblazer for women in the workforce. She was a 1955 graduate of Westerly High School and a 1959 graduate of Brown University with a degree in 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 Anny 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. Anny civilian, Donna was Chief of Software Engineering for various project and program offices, as well as for various functional organizations at the U.S. Anny 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, and his children Lilly and Samuel of Concord, Massachusetts; Michelle D. Clemens, her husband Drew, and their son Ilan of Concord, Massachusetts; brother, Attorney Matthew L. Lewiss and his wife, Florence, of Westerly, Rhode Island. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins including: Attorney Peter L. Lewiss of Westerly, Rhode Island; Dr. Resa E. Lewiss of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Hilary A. Turano, and her daughters Abigail and Chloe of Westerly, Rhode Island; Dr. Michael L. Rosenberg and his wife Karen and their sons, Dr. David Rosenberg of Toronto, Canada and his wife Dr. Ariella Pratzer, and their daughter Izzy, and Eric Rosenberg of Washington, D.C.; Attorney Mark F. Rosenberg and his wife Sandy of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and their daughter, Melissa Rosenberg ofNew York City; Stephen D. Rosenberg and his wife Rene of Delray Beach, Florida.

Donna was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Lillian Lewiss; her step-mother, Sylvia Lewiss; and her step-sister, Rita Rosenberg.

A graveside service and burial will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Norwich Hebrew Benevolent Association Cemetery #3, located at 62 Middle Road, Preston, Connecticut 06365

Shivah will be observed on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 starting at 6:30 pm in the Vestry at Congregation Sharah Zedek, 6 Union Street, Westerly, Rhode Island 02891

Donations in Donna's memory may be made to the Joseph Lewiss Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Matthew L. Lewiss, 79 Franklin Street, Westerly, Rhode Island 02891

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem Street, Norwich, Connecticut 06360. For online condolences visit www.churchandallen.com