Pleasant Valley State Prison reported the passing of retired Warden Donna Gail Lewis on Feb. 22, 2020. She was 83.
She activated Pleasant Valley State Prison in November 1994. She remained there until her retirement in September 2003.
She began her correctional career at the California Youth Authority, Ventura School for Girls, as a Group Supervisor in December 1961.
She held many positions during her CDCR tenure.
She was awarded a Certificate of Recognition by the California State Senate in 1997. Then-Assemblyman Dean Flores of the 30th District nominated her as Woman of the Year in 1999.
She also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. Congress in 2003.
Learn more about Pleasant Valley State Prison
- A correctional officer’s response to an active shooter earned him a Medal of Valor.
- Details about the prison can be found at the CDCR Facility Locator.