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From Ruth Tolley:
Lisa’s daughter, Megan Henderson, gave me permission to place information about her passing here. Lisa died unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 8, 2024. She had moved from Capistrano Beach to be close to her son, Mike, living in a retirement community in Camarillo, south of Ventura. Megan says that her two grandchildren, Miah and Asher were the lights of her life.
Lisa was one of my best buddies at Sahuaro. I remember so many zany, nutty things that Lisa said and did. She had a hilarious wry sense of humor with a deadpan delivery. She always had me laughing. Lisa’s Rambler had those push button shifters that she operated with her toes! So very Lisa!! Lisa and I were roomies at our 40th Reunion. The Sunday after, my Dad drove both is us to the airport to catch our respective flights. We sat together in the backseat talking and laughing about the reunion, who we saw, etc. It was a such a flashback to our high school days being driven around by our parents. My Dad was just shaking his head at us.
My husband Rick and I took a trip to California in 2009 and we were able to connect with Lisa for a visit. In putting it together, Lisa sent me an email that is so indicative of her crazy sense of humor. I found it and sent it to Megan, who included Lisa’s hilarious side in her eulogy for her beloved mother. Here is Lisa’s email: I am open both days. You are in ink!!! Do I have time to lose 40 pounds, get implants (dental and otherwise) and a facelift? Plus, you are a SCIENCE TEACHER? Do I have to be smart, too? So, if I am reading you right, by August 31 I need to run a marathon, get a tan, scale a mountain and read a book. Check. I’m in!! Again, so very Lisa! RIP Dear Friend
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Scott Carter
Am so sad to hear this news. But not totally unexpected. Lisa was someone with whom I kept in touch. And especially during the pandemic, I tried to check in with her. My last couple of voice messages were unanswered, but that was not unusual. I would sometimes leave voicemails and she would get back to me weeks later with a million apologies & we would resume talking. She and her daughter came to see my play DISCORD in 2014 at the NoHo Arts Theatre in North Hollywood. (It now is also gone.) We had a lovely dinner in a restaurant nearby after the show. And that was the last time i saw her. She loved her children so much. She talked about them with such pride. She was always funny and clear-eyed about life. I will miss her. And I was lucky to have known her.
Ruth, thanks for sharing. I had meant to bring her up to you as we tried to get together in Denver last week. But we couldn't make it work. And we wound up talking about other things on the phone. Hope to see you next time I am in Denver.
Much love to you all,
Scott Carter
Janine Pierpont (Petroshus)
So so sad to hear of Lisa's passing. She was such a sweet person and always made me laugh. She always took something bad and turned it around to make you laugh. I will miss her, I have fond Memories of our summer meet ups, she did love her children and was very proud of them and her grand children. Rest in peace Lisa. May the angels surround her family now and find them peace.
Janine Pierpont Petroshus.
Paul Newton
Lisa,
I will always remember your pleasent personality, unassuming nature, and grace.
Paul
Martin P. Torres
Lisa
I was glad to have our talk at the 40th reunion
I will never forget the last night we had together before you left Tucson
I realized that you chose the right path. You will always be in my heart and may our paths cross in the next life
Martin
Carl E. Lopez
I am so saddened to hear of Lisa's passing. Years ago in San Diego Billie and I had lunch with her and my old neighbor Kristy Kalt. It was one of those experiences you hoped would never end. I considered myself to be incredibly lucky to be in the company of these amazing women. Being a physician my conversations often involved medical issues. Lisa did share with me some of the problems she had so I was not shocked to hear that she died of a heart attack. As many may remember Sahuaro's first football game was in Bisbee in September of 1968. As I ran onto the field I ran by the songleaders and caught the eye of Lisa. It was one of those moments I never forgot. We lost big to Bisbee that night. In the late 70s I was in Tucson on a break from medical school and I ran into her at the Jerry Lewis theatre. It was so great to catch up with her. Rest in Peace Lisa.
Sue Richards (Boughton)
I just found out about Lisa's death. This truly has hurt the heart. Lisa and I became good friends our Junior through Senior year at Sahuaro. We had "home room" with Coach Breining, as our teacher. Coach was always getting perturbed with us for talking. He finally told us he could not get mad at Lisa and I, because he did not know how to handel girls. Lisa and I called each other, "getting in trouble buddy's." The last time we were together, was with Brenda, Billie, Debbie and Janine. Lisa was full of wisdom during our talks together. And yes, her sense of humor was the BEST of us all. God, I will miss her.
Pam J. Lynn (Allen)
Oh, how my heart aches. Lisa and I became close friends after graduating from Sahuaro. I had the honor of being her bridesmaid when she married Scott Henderson, then a few years later she was my bridesmaid when she was 8mos pregnant with her daughter, Megan. I missed her greatly after she and Scott moved to California. Knowing her family and personal medical history, I am not at all surprised that she passed at a relatively young age. I am so grateful for the times that Lisa, Billie and I were able to get together-it was always a blast! She will be sorely missed.