Donna Dorzback Stone's Obituary
On March 5, 2023, Donna Dorzback Stone, at the age of 78, lost her life to cancer. She peacefully passed away at her home in Lewes, Delaware with her children by her side. Donna is survived by her son Matthew T. and his wife Francine P. Stone, and daughter Kelley Stone, of Wilmington, Delaware; her siblings Karl D. Dorzback III (Dan) and Jerrie D. Sanstrom of Dover, Delaware. She was preceded in death by her parents, Karl D. Dorzback Jr. and Doris Dorzback, née Richardson of Dover and former husband Thomas H. Stone of Chicago.
Donna was born on October 12th, 1944 in Dover, Delaware. She graduated from Dover High School in 1962 and from Northwestern University in 1966 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. After devotedly raising her children, she went on to have an exemplary career in the private and public sectors. Donna co-owned Kelley’s restaurant in Rehoboth Beach in the early 1980s, followed by a successful career in real estate with Emerson & Co Realtors. In 1994 she was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives where she served the people of the 32nd District for seven terms. Her service to state legislatures extended to the national level through her involvement with both the Council of State Governments (CSG), where she was active on the Shared State Legislation (SSL) Committee, and through National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) leadership roles.
In 2003, Donna chaired the NCSL Financial Services Committee, and represented NCSL on the national stage as an expert on financial services modernization and its impact on state-federal relations. She later served as an officer of the NCSL for 4 years, culminating in serving with distinction as NCSL’s President in 2007/2008. During her tenure Donna represented the interests of state legislatures across the country and led programs to strengthen the legislative institution. In 2008, she became the Chair of the Foundation for State Legislatures during a time of expansion, to which she made vast contributions.
Donna continued contributing through her work with TD Bank, Delaware Community Foundation, and in her retirement years through her involvement in numerous civic endeavors.
Donna was a larger than life personality and left a lasting and positive impact on all who met her. Her warm and loving personality made her a friend to all. For those who had the privilege of being a close friend, her love and devotion knew no bounds.
She fully embraced life and was a lover of travel, music and the arts. She will be remembered for her big smile, youthful energy, her sharp wit and love for humor- the more inappropriate the better! She embodied grace and style. But her most lasting legacy, and what she held dearest, was the love she had for her children. ‘Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.’
An private celebration of Donna’s life will be held later this year.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations: Biggs Museum of American Art (www.biggsmuseum.org, City Theatre Company (www.city-theater.org) or Delaware Community Foundation Fund for Women (www.delcf.org/donations/fund-for-women).
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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