I miss you Lisa.

She was the second mom to many including me.  (See the note I wrote in 1997 that she kept on her fridge for years)

She was so kind, giving and had such a fun sense of humor. She loved her family fiercely and would do anything for her kids. She had so much pride in her grandkids, she would beam with joy showing pictures and telling stories of what they were all up to. 

Her telling the Garfield joke or her howling like a wolf when I said how great she looked brought so much joy to others. I loved telling her how great she looked. “Wow Lisa, really looks like you’ve been working out.” 

She would light up and talk about her recent swim or her “run.” That run was a thing to witness too. Snails pace and we could walk faster than her but she didn’t care. She knew she was out there doing it. 

She fed more kids than the Red Cross. Dinners with extra kids routinely, often up to half a dozen or more extra kids she’d make dinner for and not bat an eye.

Lisa loved a good party. If there’s wasn’t a party she could create her own. She loved listening to music loud when she was cleaning. Music blaring, smiling, dancing, cleaning and howling were all often present together.

And boy did she clean. So many kids making messes and she would so rarely get upset. As a parent now, the patience she had towards all of us was absolutely incredible. 

I’ll cherish all the meals (her cooking or Outback which was her favorite), trips to the snow, taking us to the gym to swim or play basketball, bringing us to brunch after church, the heart to hearts we had as I got older, the smile she had when I would stop by just to say hello, the texts of love and support, the phone calls just to check in. 

These past few days have been a lot for me with bouts of tears as I think of her. Driving the kids to school this morning I lost it a bit. While tears were rolling, I also felt tremendous joy that I was loved by and loved her so much. 

I find peace knowing that you are with the Heavenly Father and those you loved who have been waiting for you.

When I see you again, I hope to hear John Melencamp blaring on the speakers and you smiling and dancing your heart away. 

Love, Evan

💛💛💛

Throughout high school Alicia and I were essentially inseparable so I had the privilege to spend a lot of time with Lisa too. She was such a great example of  patience and love. She would often get home from her late shifts at the hospital to find Alicia and me still awake so she would take us with her to Coco's for dessert while she grabbed dinner. She always had an open mind and heart, and would laugh and talk with us. 

One time she rented a cabin in Tahoe for 4 or 5 of us teenagers (a mix of Robert and Alicia's friends). The day we planned to go, she got home from work much later than she had expected to. Exhausted from her day, she wanted to wait until the next morning to leave, afraid she was too tired to safely drive that far. All of us convinced her we would stay up with her and keep her company while she drove. She agreed to drive that night. Every one of us fell asleep within a half hour! I felt so bad when I woke up at that cabin hours later!

More than once, my own children have heard Lisa-isms that I learned from spending time in her home. And more than once they have been woken up early on a Saturday morning to the sound of a vacuum and John Mellencamp wailing about hurting so good. The tradition continues! 

 You helped shape the person and the mother I have become. Many thanks and so much love to you, Lisa.

You will be missed Lisa!!

As a friend of Robert, Lisa was always a very patient and generous person to me. Someone with a very positive energy, was good humored, and well liked on our block in Dublin. I remember she always played the Righteous Brothers and enjoyed going for a run with Abbey(dog). 

Rest in Peace Lisa 🙏

💕🙏🏽 What a devastating loss. Lisa, may your spirit rest well. 

I’m glad she got to have her kids by her side as she passed. 

What a gift she was to this planet and to all of us young people, her kids’ friends, who she welcomed like family into her home. She was always laughing her infectious laugh, always giving, and taking it easy with a glass of wine when needed. It was an honor to have been part of her world.