Obituary of Concettina L. Lewis

Concettina “Tina” L. (Lizzi) Lewis, 83, a longtime resident of Glastonbury, died peacefully at her home on February 19, 2017. She was the beloved wife of the late J. Blaine Lewis, Jr. Tina was born in Hartford, completed her public education at Weaver High School, and went on to graduate from the University of Connecticut in 1955. Her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering made her one of the first two women to graduate from UConn’s School of Engineering. Tina married Blaine, also an engineer, immediately after her graduation and their “made in heaven” marriage comprised living, working and traveling together for over 45 years. They were rarely apart. Their lives were filled with family and friends, many now deceased, and many who now will grieve their loss but cherish their memories. Tina and Blaine fulfilled a dream by collaborating on the design and construction of their beach house in Rhode Island, where they loved to reside each year for as long as the beach season would last. Tina enjoyed poetry, photography, bird watching, classical music and opera. She was also an accomplished pianist, providing her young friends and neighbors with music lessons, and even pianos. In 2001, Tina joined the ranks of published authors, writing Justice Denied in 2001, a book that did homage to the hard work and integrity of Blaine through the end of his career with the Connecticut Lottery. In 2015 Tina was inducted into the UConn Academy of Distinguished Engineers concurrent with the 60th anniversary of her graduation. Most recently, in November 2016, she attended the UConn School of Engineering’s 100th anniversary celebration, and was honored for the inspiration she gave to so many women who followed her into the university’s engineering program. Tina was predeceased by her husband, parents, two brothers and sister. Those remaining to cherish her memory are many dear friends (including those from her student years at UConn), neighbors and caregivers, as well as her nephews and nieces (residing in Connecticut and California) who were all important in her life. Her family shares Tina’s gratefulness to those who cared for her during her illness, especially her dedicated medical professionals, her devoted medical care advocate, her round-the-clock caregiver and the many friends who went out of their way to keep her life as normal as possible, for as long as possible. May she rest in peace. A memorial gathering for Tina to celebrate her life will take place later this spring. As per her wishes, her ashes will be joined with Blaine’s for eternity. Donations may be made to the Tina & Blaine Lewis Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship support for UConn students majoring in electrical engineering. Please make checks payable to: The UConn Foundation, Inc., and forward them to the following address: 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206; Storrs, CT 06269-3206. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.