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Lissa Wales Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Lissa Wales
Teresa Fincher
October 29, 2005
I first met Lissa when I moved in across Elm Street from her in 1990. We quickly became friends and I started watching her dogs for her while she was away on one of her several trips. At first I was afraid of the dogs, but learned from them about "unconditional love"- this was shown to me best from my friendship with Lissa. Over the years she was with me through thick and thin- and we'll remember her the most through her wonderful photography at our wedding in Connecticut. Her illness was a shock to us all and hard to understand how it could happen to such a positive, outgoing, and cheerful person. I am sure that these were the qualities that helped her fight back against the Leukemia,and also to inspire others to keep fighting, too. Her friendship will be greatly missed by us and our sympathy goes out to her family at this time of sorrow.
With Love from us both and from our families, too- Teresa and Loren Fincher
"May we see your smiling face again"
Sister Joan Wales
October 28, 2005
Lissa was my niece and though I never had the chance to see much of her, she was truly a gem.She was always smiling and laughing.I loved her and have been praying for her daily.She is now in heaven praying for us. God Bless her. Sister Joan Tacoma Dominican
Kelly Spence-Holderman
October 28, 2005
To Lissa's family, What a huge loss for all of us who so loved Lissa. Her spirit, her smile, her tenacity, I will always remember these. I was recently re-reading the last email Lissa sent to me, as usual she was inquiring about my life, not worrying about hers. "My cousin Lissa...." I would always start with when I would tell a story about her exploits. She was someone to be admired, her courage, and again...her smile. Even in the last few months she was talking about coming up to the NW in the fall to go out in Rich & Shirlie's boat and how we would get together as well. She believed! It is what kept her going. I know she is with her father, Hal, now and they are laughing that laugh they both had. Generous spirits and hearts. Mary, you and your family need to keep in touch with your Pacific NW family! And Dottie, know that you are in our prayers each and every day. Much love, Kelly
Rich & Shirlie Hoctor
October 27, 2005
October 1st was a heart-breaking day for Rich & I when we heard of the death of our beloved niece, Lissa. To us, she was so much like her father, Hal..(our brother) who was kind, loving to everyone,family oriented,helpful,& so very thoughtful to everyone she came in contact with. Rich & I could write a book about memories of Lissa. The times we had with her on our boat, her love of small things like garlic,hot spices,crab cakes and making her favorite ceasar salads for Rich & I. So many things can be said about her caring & loving ways. As she was growing up, she made numerous visits to Ellensburg to keep in contact with her grandmother & the rest of us. In our winter months she came & had a taste of snowmobiling in snow..she loved that !!!In the summer months she would come for a time for her taste of the salt waters of the San Juan Islands where she delighted in claming, fishing, crabing and catching up on everything. She loved helping Shirlie fix the meals. Lissa had a love for food & a passion in preparing so many different things. Lissa was always such a giving person and always so careful not to hurt anyones feelings. She & I would chat for hours on the phone or computer laughing & crying as the mood dictated. The last time we spoke, we were on our boat. She was very up-beat and mentioned the kindness she was shown by her family, friends & the doctors & staff of those that worked with her over the past 18 months of her illness. What a terrable loss to those of us left behind, but what a blessing that Lissa has no more pain & suffering to endure & that we all have another angel in heaven to watch over us & guide us towards the time when we will all be together again , in heaven.
We extend our condolences to her mother, Dorothy, her sister, Mary,husband Randy & son Andrew. She will be missed by so many family members & friends. Lissa was truly loved by everyone that knew her.
Shirlie & Rich Hoctor
Ellensburg, Washington
joel samuel
October 24, 2005
I met Lissa back in 1982 at Chuckles Night Club where I use to be the promotions director.I got the job from a friend Linda Shelton who later died of Leukemia. She took a great group shot with Robin Williams and Richard Belzer and the main Chuckles group. I made an album and gave it to my niece Kathy who had Hodgkins with many writings and pics from some of the best up and comming comedians of the time. Later I began producing television and Lissa would attend my events or Backstage Pass Parties and for nine years The Arizona Entertainment Awards. Yes if there was a scene in Arizona back then Lissa was always included by invitation to all my events. Since then my Niece finally succumbed to her sixth bout with Cancer and her Mother my sister and her husband and many other close people are now gone.Lissa was always a consumate professional and her loss will be another light gone in our world. Safe Journey till we meet again..
Drew Wathey
October 11, 2005
Words can not adequately express my deep sense of loss at Lissa's passing. She was and always will be my favorite photographer. Space does not allow me to share all of the wonderful memories I have of Lissa working as a photographer at the Phoenix Open. She was without doubt, the most conscientous and dedicated photographer I have ever met. Every time when I asked her how the shoot went, she would always reply, "I have some killer shots!" She brought a smile to my face every time I spoke to her. She was truly one of God's shining lights. Her life lives on in her work. I will always remember you Lissa! I'm sure you have your lens pointing at some of the world's great drummers who you now join in God's kingdom. Snap some for me and get some of those "killer shots!"
Mariah Fleming
October 10, 2005
To Lissa’s loving family and friends,
I apologize for too many words, but much as I have tried I can't seem to say what I need to say in a few sentences. It's only just barely beginning to sink in that Lissa won't be calling to cheerily report on her astonishing recovery. We met some 15 years ago and turned out to have many mutual interests and friends. Lissa lived nearby in her own “Lissa paradise.” In-between chemo treatments I’d find her “luxuriating” by her pool, laptop in tow, working on her deadlines. She kept her commitments come hell or high water. Lissa didn’t want to be “the cancer girl” or have anyone’s pity.
When she learned in April 2005 that cancer had returned, she still insisted on shooting Arizona’s Hall of Fame (AMEHOF) induction ceremony. Few knew she was checking back into the hospital the following morning. No one dreamed it would be her last photo shoot. Anyone interested in seeing some of those photos as well as a tribute to Lissa can go to this site: www.AzMusicHallofFame.org.
When I took Lissa for a bone marrow biopsy at the City of Hope before her 2nd transplant, walking in from the parking lot I took her hand, expecting her to let go and say, “It’s fine!” But she held on so tight I could feel the cold terror beneath her indomitable spirit. When we were a few yards from the door she let go. Lissa entered the room a lioness, radiant. beautiful, strong beyond belief.
Lissa felt guilty she couldn’t answer all her calls and emails. I feel fortunate that I proposed to start a site for her on the Caring Bridge website that provided a place for loved ones to write Lissa and learn out about her progress. I had the joy of learning how much she enriched her friend’s lives, and of reading the Caring Bridge site messages to her when she wasn’t up to it. She was always surprised, happy and deeply appreciative of all her messages.
In four months nearly 550 people have visited Lissa’s Caring Bridge site. She planned to copy all the messages to keep as a reminder of her victory. I will now do that and give it to her family. Lissa would love it if zillions of messages were left there to help comfort her family…”that’s a no brainer!” as she would say. Anyone who wishes to leave a message in Lissa's Caring Bridge guestbook can go to www.caringbridge.org and type in “lissawales” (sans quotation marks)
Last time Lissa called, she was on cloud nine, amazed and deeply touched by the nurturing environment and loving kindness of her friend Carrie and Carrie’s mom. Best of all Lissa’s beloved dog Josephina was by her side at long last! She told me that evening “My doctor says I’ll be home by Labor Day the way it’s going!” happily anticipating sitting in the Green Room "schmoozing" with friends at her benefit concert. Who could have imagined that would be our last conversation, or that she would never know about her benefit concert's rousing success?
Every Saturday for many months I've dedicated special songs to Lissa on the radio. She always counted on her “positive songs” and my asking for healing thoughts and prayers. One of the songs I played for her was 'Woman With the Strength of 10,000 Men' written years ago by her friend Peter Himmelman. On the beautiful Saturday afternoon Lissa left us, I was dedicating “Woman with the Strength of 10,000 Men" to her, saying "This is going out into the universe for our dear friend Lissa, truly a woman with the strength 10,000 men.” I wonder if somehow Lissa knew, and decided to leave us, with her “theme song” playing.
Mariah Fleming
Dennis Repan
October 10, 2005
Mrs. Wales- Such a loss. Lissa had such energy through all of this. She was an inspiration to both myself and Olga, especially in those very hard times through the treatments. I know as a friend, Olga was there to greet her and they are both smiling down on us.
Kit O'Connor
October 10, 2005
I am so proud to have known you and "grown up" in the music business with you. What a joy it was to see you at the beginning of this year in Scottsdale. I know heaven has another angel and that you are a prayer away. Your personality and kind heart will be remembered forever, dear Lissa. And your laughter and smile remains strong in my heart and mind's eye. God bless you, dear lady.
Andy Olson
October 7, 2005
Lissa, your family and friends,
There is no way to express how much you will be missed in our own words...so as a tribute to you here is our small offering: on Saturday afternoon Oct 8 from 2pm to 6 pm we are airing a four hour radio tribute on Mariah Fleming's show, It will be all music and talk about you (mostly the music will say it all.)
We hope that it will comfort anyone listening who loves you and explain to those who didn't know you what a blessing you were to this world.
I thought I'd share the info here in the hopes that some of those who are mourning your loss (as are we-we will be there tomorrow) will check it out. It's free, of course, on the internet at www.radiofreephoenix.com.
With deepest sympathy to your family and all who love you.
Andy Olson and tour friends at Radio Free Phoenix.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Nadine Coffin
October 7, 2005
Dear Mrs. Wales,
I am so sorry to hear about Lissa's passing. Lissa touched my life in such a beautiful way. Her laughter got us through St. Lukes, she let my sister adopt Cashmere, her wonderful Rodegian Ridgeback. Everytime someone remembers Lissa there will be a huge smile on their face! She touched this world with her love and generosity and she will be missed. You and your family are in my prayers.
Ted Stratton
October 6, 2005
I will never forget the afternoon when Lissa boldly walked into the studio at KDKB and introduced herself...eyes wide and a huge smile! She immediately became absorbed into the "family", always bouncing around from one office to another...eager to please and curious about everything. Truely one of the most inquisitive people I have ever met.
It was always such a pleasure hanging out with her.
The last time we talked was a couple of months ago...still a bundle of energy, full of ideas, concerned about committments, her calendar crammed with parties and photo shoots. She told me that she didn't know if she was going to beat this thing the second time around, but she insisted that it wasn't going to slow her down...and it surely didn't!
We all loved Lissa because of her passion for life's everyday lessons. She taught us well.
Sandy Kemps-Ronnebeck
October 6, 2005
Lissa....I use to live on Elm Street two doors down from her.... with Lissa she was my neighbor and when I was a child I rememeber her letting her dogs out to run on the streets and I would run inside because I was so scared of her dogs. As I got older I remmembered her smile and her great attitude about life and how she loved people around her. I will miss her and her dogs they were so much apart of her family.
Love ya always
Sandy
Sandy Kemps-Ronnebeck
October 6, 2005
Lissa....I use to live on Elm Street two doors down from her.... with Lissa she was my neighbor and when I was a child I rememeber her letting her dogs out to run on the streets and I would run inside because I was so scared of her dogs. As I got older I remembered her smile and her great attitude about life and how she loved people around her. I will miss her and her dogs they were so much apart of her family. May God be with you and bless you always!
Love ya always
Sandy
Mickey Woodke
October 6, 2005
Lissa, My life is richer for having known you and your family. I have a favorite photo of us on Rich & Shirlie's boat sitting at the counter eating ourselves almost sick on the fresh crab laughing and having a grand time. The album you made of that trip will always be treasured. My very deepest condolences to Dorothy, Mary & Andrew. May the peace of God be with all of you.
Karen Sears
October 6, 2005
Lissa, we will miss your bright spirit. Your legacy will live on in so many ways: personally in how you always exuded passion and positive energy in your work and life, and professionally, as you leave behind so many special drumming moments captured forever on film. You will be missed but not forgotten.
- Karen Sears, David Chambers, and all at SGCI Communications Inc.
Helen Gregory
October 5, 2005
We met Lissa when we were working in the yard, and she was walking Josephina. We often saw her at such times, but we also enjoyed at least one neighborhood party that she organized. The things I'll remember about Lissa are her vibrant blue eyes, her enormous smile, and her energy and zest for life. We love you Lissa.
Mary Godfrey-Tappe
October 5, 2005
My sincere condolences to Lissa's family. Lissa and I were sorority sisters at Phoenix College in the 70's - Theta Chi Delta. She was always happy and upbeat. I am so sad to learn of her passing.
Lisa Beischer
October 5, 2005
Lissa, I can still see you running here and there at the LPGA tournaments capturing what is now a wonderful memory of just one of many talents. I loved to hear about your "back stage" stories on all the concerts. You were always up to something. But, most of all, it was your "smile" that said it all. Even through this horrible disease that has now taken you to where we all hope to get to some day. You are in God's hands now. God Bless You!
Ilse DeGaspari
October 5, 2005
I only had the pleasure once to meet you, with a lasting impression! Vibrant and embracing life. We shared a wonderful ("Diva")evening with special friends, glad you came along that day. It's a very sad day....
Libby Ricotta
October 5, 2005
Dear Lissa, I will alway remember all the great times we had working together at "A Needlework Place". You always inspired we "stitchers" to reach for the stars and try new and different things. I can't pick up a canvas without thinking of your "intense" stitches and fibers. You were one in a trillion!! Love, Libby
Mireille Helm
October 5, 2005
What a ray of light Lissa was. I worked closely with Lissa for more two years shooting the Standard Register PING LPGA Golf Tournament and many other events. I could always depend on Lissa to get the shots I needed on short notice and through it all she had a huge smile on her face. At some of the most stressful times, Lissa would crack a joke, which made it so much fun to work with her. I also enjoyed hearing about all of the "gigs" she was covering and her cooking stories as well. She will surely be missed.
Doug Strobot
October 5, 2005
Lissa had a heart of gold.
John Clark
October 5, 2005
Dear Dorothy,
I was saddened to learn of the loss of your daughter Lissa. She's home with Hal now and I'll remember her
in my prayers.
Stu Smith
October 5, 2005
Your presence remains in all the meaningful pictures you provided us through our LPGA Tournaments through the years. How perplexing to know your work helped us to raise millions to fund the Samaritan & now Banner Health Cancer care programs. Clearly there is much work still to be done & just knowing people like you spurs us on. May God Bless & hold you close.
Stu Smith
Pres/CEO, Banner Health Foundation
Lynn Wright
October 5, 2005
Lissa touched many people in her travels through life. I know she touched mine and she will be missed.
Bobby Boos
October 5, 2005
Sweet Lissa...as a friend you're already missed, you've inspired us for many years with your energy and enthusiasm and you will always be in our thoughts as we wonder where our Lissa is now and which gig you're running to get to next...
Your Friend's, Susie & Bobby Boos
Mardi Thornton
October 5, 2005
I was saddened by the news of Lissa's passing. I had just had an email a couple of weeks ago and of course she was very upbeat and courageous. I will miss her dearly - she was one of the Divas! My sympathies to her family in this difficult time.
Christine Jewett
October 5, 2005
I met Lissa at NAMM this year after years of speaking with her on the phone. It was an honor, she will be missed.
Nort Hargrove
October 5, 2005
The music shows will not be the same without you.Goodbye old friend.As the song goes till we meet again.You have a special place in are hart at Sabian.
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