Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Lisa Marie O'Donnell

Lisa O'Donnell Obituary

O'Donnell, Lisa Marie (Nee Denter) Born to Eternal Life Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, at the age of 41. Beloved daughter of Bernard and Linda Denter. Dear sister of Laura (Scott) and Brian (Kristina). Further survived by many beloved friends and relatives who supported her through a 7-year battle with ovarian cancer. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 24, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waukesha, with visitation beginning at 1:00PM followed by a 3:00PM Mass.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Lisa O'Donnell

20 Entries

Chris W

February 14, 2012

I worked with Lisa and knew her to be a strong, disciplined, caring, intelligent leader and mentor. I used to see her in the halls of Kohl's and she would always smile and stop to talk. I will miss her.

Linda Olson

February 1, 2012

To Lisa's Family~
We were very sad to hear of this deep loss in your lives. We, too, suffered the loss of my sister (Laurel Marschke) at 41 from cancer. We met Lisa several times over the years--at Laurel's wedding to Sean, social engagements and, of course, at Caylyn Marschke's baptism where Lisa & Shawn and I were chosen as godparents. Lisa was a gem of a person. She loved with a big heart (from a small package!). We only kept in contact over the past few years via email, but it was always nice to see her name in my inbox. You will be in our prayers this week. Please accept our deepest sympathy~
Don & Linda Olson

Cathy S.

January 24, 2012

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear sister, daughter, and friend. I worked with Lisa for many years and I was amazed at how strong she was throughout her ordeal. Back in 2010 when facing yet another "the cancer is back" and more surgery, I told her I didn't know how she kept going, I would have given up a long time ago. She told me you have to fight and do what you have to do. She is an example to all of us, do what you need to do and smile during all of it! You are missed dear friend until we meet again Rest in Peace.

Katie Hatch

January 24, 2012

To the Denter family -

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I hope you are able to find peace.

With love,
Katie (Kohnke) Hatch

Chris Jones

January 24, 2012

Lisa...Thank you for sharing Huntley Ct together. Thank you for sharing the car rides, the beach, the holiday dinners, the photographs, the e mails. Thank you for helping Debbie when she needed someone there. Thank you for blessing us with your beautiful life. I miss you and will keep you close always...

John and Lindsey Dickinson

January 24, 2012

Lisa we will hold your memory in our hearts and minds forever we love and miss you. Love John and Lindsey Dickinson

Gena Magill

January 23, 2012

Thanks Lisa for teaching my kids about Cancer. You never showed fear or pain, you always wore a smile on your face... No one should have had to go through what you did. I am glad you have a wonderful sister who loves you so much. We will take good care of her, you just take care of her baby now.

Jane Lowman

January 23, 2012

Lisa was an inspiration to everyone she came in contact with. A happy, joyful, hardworking, caring, giving soul who always was worried about everyone else and never herself. Everyone she met has become a better person because of her. She will be missed by many. Hopefully we can all help create a better life for those less fortunate in her memory as she would want.

Jackie VanHeirseele

January 23, 2012

Cancer is so Limited

It cannot cripple Love
It cannot shatter Hope
It cannot corrode Faith
It cannot erode Peace
It cannot destroy Confidence
It cannot kill Friendship
It cannot shut out Memories
It cannot silence Courage
It cannot invade the Soul
It cannot reduce Eternal Life
It cannot quench the Spirit of Joy
It cannot lesson the power of the Resurrection!

-Unknown Author

In loving memory of my cousin, Lisa.

Kimberly Denter Waid

January 23, 2012

I have to share one of my very favorite song lyrics... "May all who come behind us find us faithful, may the fire of our devotion light the way. May the footprints that we leave...lead them to believe..." I believe Lisa showed us all courage, and strength. Even in her own pain, she was concerned for others! totally unselfish and a kind person. I have so many good memories of our childhood... the weekends we could spend together... laughing,roller skating, and getting into some kind of trouble (it just found us) I choose to remember all the joy that Lisa brought to my life and her kindness to my family when our family was hurting. I know that Lisa was being welcomed by angels far sooner than we were ready to let her go... but I can smile thru the tears knowing she is home and forever healthy! I pray for peace and comfort to all those who love her. Happy Trails... I love you Lisa

Christine Joshua

January 23, 2012

May God help you through this painful time and may the candle burn eternally by the love of Lisa in your hearts.

January 23, 2012

Dear Bud and Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joanne Morell Hoffman

Rob & Deb Moss

January 23, 2012

Hubert Humphrey once said "My friend it is not what they take away from you that counts, it's what you do with what you have left." Lisa was a wonderful example of strength in the worst adversity. God bless you Lisa on your eternal journey. We'll look up to the sky for the hole where your light shines through.

Donna Dirk

January 23, 2012

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Rob Moss

January 23, 2012

My dear Godchild Lisa
You still are a gift to all of us and most certainly made your mark in life. Some failed to give you the return you most certainly desired but you deserved it non the less. Lisa you were my only blood Godchild and I will always cherish that honor your Parents bestowed on me, forever grateful.
Love you for eternal life, Rob Moss (Kendall WI.)

January 23, 2012

Lisa was truly an inspiration to me. Her strength was amazing to say the least! Lisa, Laura, Kim and I were so close when we were kids. As we grew up and started our adult life journeys, we lost touch. Although I am thankful for the last few years that we did keep in touch and grew closer, I regret the lapse in time very much so. I will never forget how much Lisa helped my family in some of our darkest hours. As Lisa was battling her own issues she took the time to really make a difference and help us. This, along with her love for children,wonderful sense of humor, personality and most of all her strength will never be forgotten.

Love you Lisa!
Say Hello to Michael and Dad for me!

Kelly Denter Franckowiak
& Family

Liam, Kate, & Maddie O'Donnell

January 23, 2012

We love you, Aunt Lisa!

We will always love you!

Bill & Cheryl Moss

January 23, 2012

Lisa was never without a smile on her face. She was loved by all her family and friends. The hard part is over, rest in peace in Gods loving arms.

Melissa Busse Hafen

January 23, 2012

I will be forever grateful that Kohls sent Lisa to Charlottesville, VA last year, so we could catch up. We had such a wonderful time, and I remember driving home being filled with gratitude for family and noting the uncanny commonalities we had. I will also forever regret being too caught up in my own busyness of getting married and moving during her decline to take the time to call or write to her again. I know she knows of my love for her, and I hope all of you do also.

Hugs to all. If I had to put money on it, I'd be willing to bet my Dad is keeping her company along with Harold and others.

jenna bantz

January 23, 2012

Lisa epitomized selfless giving. Throughout her battle with cancer--an ugly fight marred with chemos, "morbidly disfiguring surguries," and countless hospital stays for obstructions--her main concern was always the inconvenience she caused for others. Her passionate dedication to American Cancer Society and other charities reminded us to always work towards a goal for the whole of humanity, not just ourselves. Yes, it sounds sappy; but it was part of her personality.
Lisa may be gone from the physical realm, but her spirit fills us all and inspires us to rise above our limitations, focus on the positives, and face each day with a smile.
When I look up in the clouds, I think about Lisa and baby Abe watching over us. Thanks, Deta! See us later!

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results