Although Lisa has lived in a few different places, two things have been a constant: She has always cared for others and has always been very active in her parish. Moving to Lake Geneva 15 years ago from Fresno, California, she has been a Eucharistic Minister (both at SFDS and at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center) for 12 years. She has also trained new Eucharistic Ministers, been a greeter, and has been an SFDS wedding coordinator for six years. Currently she is a member of the Chorale, the Arimatheans, a founding member of the wonderful Wednesday Bible Study, a Eucharistic Minister, and an RCIA Coordinator! Lisa lived in California for about 5 years. While there she worked as an LPN in a chemical dependency unit at Cedar Vista hospital. She also taught 9th and 10th grade students at the San Joaquin Memorial Catholic High School. During this time period she did volunteer work in the Pastoral Care Department at St. Agnes Medical Center as a Eucharistic Minister.
Before moving to California to be near her ailing parents, she worked for 3 years as a LPN at a local clinic with
fellow parishioners, Dr. Alabarca and Mary Koehler. But nursing was not her first career….
Before going to school for nursing, she lived in Williams Bay and was a Director of Youth Ministry and Director of
Religious Education at St. Andrew’s Parish in Delavan for 10 years. She designed and directed their Confirmation
retreats, beginning there as a volunteer catechist. After 7 years of study at Cardinal Stritch and Alverno, she earned a
Multilevel Certificate in Youth Ministry and Religious Studies. As a parishioner of St. Andrew’s, she volunteered as a
catechist, led the Youth Choir for 8 years and was a member of the Archdiocesan RENEW Core Team. If that wasn’t
enough, she was also the Parish Festival Chairperson! At another point in her life she lived in Twin Lakes for 5 years,
was a member of St. John’s and founded a large ecumenical bible study that met at St. John’s called “The Lost and
Found Department”.
Lisa is the proud mother of five grown children and has twelve grandchildren that fill her life with joy. She is
professionally retired, but “not retired from life”. What are her hobbies? “Reading good books, writing children’s poetry and other poetry. I actually had one poem published. I love music, scripture, people, dogs, babies and travel. A few years back I bought a small motor home and drove 7,000 miles by myself. It was awesome!”
What does Lisa love about SFDS? “Our vibrant faith community. We really do live our mission statement!” Any of
us who work with Lisa in any of these ministries are well aware of her high energy and love for what she does. What
drives her? “I have always felt called to bring the Good News. I am most alive when I share my faith… It hasn’t
impacted my life, it IS my life!”
Thank you , Lisa, for all that you have done and continue to do for others. We are lucky that God has sent you to
St. Francis de Sales parish to share your many gifts!