Lisa Mae (Johnson) Brazil, 58, of Dartmouth, MA, passed away on September 13, 2015 at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center, in Providence, RI, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Brockton, MA, she grew up on Cape Cod, graduating from Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School, Cape Cod Community College, and Roger Williams University.
Previously employed as a legal secretary, she began working for the U.S. Navy, in the contracting field, at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Davisville, RI, where she met her future husband. Transferring to the Naval Underwater Systems Center in Newport, RI, that evolved into the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, she rose through the ranks to the Deputy Chief of the Newport Contracting office. Upon retirement, she was awarded the prestigious Hamilton Award, and was presented with the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service medal.
Lisa’s interests were wide and varied. While she enjoyed gardening, knitting, and needlepoint, she included wood splitting and stone wall building in her pastimes. She was an excellent cook, claiming that she never repeated a recipe twice, and encouraged both her sons to become chefs. She had a passion for travel, and her goal was to visit every national park in the country. From the Alps to Death Valley, she was elegance in hiking boots. Enjoying live music, she was a volunteer at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA, where she made many friends who made her feel like family. Her gentle strength and beautiful spirit inspire, and live on in her family and friends.
She leaves behind her husband of twenty-six years, Clyde Brazil; her son, Josh Cushman of Manchester, MA; her son, Andrew Brazil of Dartmouth, MA; her father, Alfred Johnson of West Yarmouth; her mother, Marilyn Johnson of Marstons Mills; her brother, Eric Johnson and his wife, Patti of Marstons Mills; her sister, Lori (Johnson) Bechard and her husband, Glenn of Barnstable, MA and Mendham, NJ; her in-laws, Donald Brazil of Dartmouth; Lillian Butterworth of Tiverton, RI; Bruce and Betsy Cushman of Warwick, RI; her nephews, Kyle Johnson, Kurt Johnson, and Samuel Bechard; nieces, Corine Bechard, and Hope Brazil; and her grand-nephew, Bradley Johnson; and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA on Sunday, October 11, from 1-5 p.m. Donations to the Narrows Center for the Arts, in Lisa’s name, may be made at Donate | Narrows Center for the Arts.