Lisa May Cullinan passed away suddenly in the early hours of October 9, 2021. She was 51. 

Lisa was born in Buffalo, New York in May of 1970 and grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin. She graduated from Xavier High School in Appleton, where she built a life-long community, and from Monmouth College in Illinois, where she deepened her passion for theater and for social justice. She graduated with honors. From there, Lisa spent time in Minneapolis and Chicago before moving to California where she lived in several places - San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oceanside, and Riverside.

Lisa was a shining star. She was beautiful, endlessly creative, and full of heart.  She wrote poetry, made theater, and worked to support youth who were the victims of physical, sexual, and mental abuse.  She was a staunch advocate for the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and for people living with mental health challenges. She was nourished to be part of a thriving, loving, and eclectic Burning Man Community who knew her as DangerGirl. Lisa believed in taking risks. She believed in love. She was always looking for that shining star.

Lisa was very close to her Mom, Emma Campbell Joel, who passed away in 2017.  They shared a love of poetry and performance and nurtured a very deep spiritual bond throughout both of their lives.

Lisa is survived, loved and championed by her sister Deborah and her brother Daniel who just want to play "blob" with her again. Her brother-in-law Kevin wishes to sit with her and share a cigarette in the cool hours of the California night. And, her niece Aiyana and nephew Hayden are cherishing memories of Aunt Lisa animating books, inspiring creativity, and catalyzing mischief.

Lisa was struck by a hit and run driver. She died shortly after from the injuries she sustained. In Lisa's memory, and in the spirit of her fierce activism and her own pursuit of what is right, we will continue to search for the driver and for justice and forgiveness. 

Lisa, we love you.

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