Lisa Deshais

MERIDEN - Family and dear friends of Lisa Ann (Neubauer) Deshais have lost their beloved daughter, sister, co-worker and friend. Lisa was treated for a brief illness and received excellent care from MidState Medical Center in Meriden. Lisa passed from this life on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009, into the open arms of her mother, other family members and several close friends, who are deceased. Lisa will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving such a kind and giving person. Lisa was only 39.

Lisa was born Feb. 6, 1970, in Everett, Wash., but lived most her life in Meriden. Lisa's parents are (Coach) Robert M. Neubauer and (the late) Karen (Bloomfield) Neubauer; and her stepmother, Jan Neubauer. Lisa is survived by her two sons, Nicholas J. Deshais and Matthew M. Amoroso. Lisa leaves four devoted brothers and her fiancé, Robert J. Neubauer (and wife Maria Neubauer) of Wallingford, Richard C. Neubauer of Meriden, Michael N. Neubauer of Florida, and Jeffrey M. Neubauer (and wife, Marcella Neubauer) of Meriden, and Lisa's fiancé, Kevin C. Moro of Norwich. Lisa has a step-sister, Cheryl L. Boyer (and husband, Matthew Boyer) of Natick, Mass. Lisa was a superb aunt to Robert P. Neubauer, Karen M. Neubauer, Kacey L. Neubauer (children of Robert and Maria Neubauer), and Christian J. Neubauer and Jaiden C. Neubauer (sons of Jeffrey and Marcella Neubauer). Lisa's maternal grandparents, Charles and Frances Bloomfield, live in Everett, Wash. Lisa has several aunts, uncles, and many cousins in Washington State, Arizona, and Bristol, Conn. Lisa had an extended family, her longtime friends, Melissa and Michael Kessler, of Pittsburgh and their four children, Kris and Joseph Nedinsky and their three children of Meriden, and Thomas and DeAnne Mauri and their three children of Meriden. There are countless other friends as well to whom Lisa was sincerely special.

Lisa graduated from Platt High School in 1988 with high honors. During Platt High School, Lisa's many accomplishments earned her recognition to participate in the Choate Honors Summer Program. This recognition is only awarded by faculty to deserving students earning respect from faculty, the administration, and classmates. Following graduation from Platt High School, Lisa attended Fairfield University and then Southern Connecticut, receiving her Bachelor Degree in Social Work; then a Masters in Social Work from UConn.

Lisa's distinguished career in Social Work with The State of Connecticut centered on her passion and interest in always helping those in need. Lisa's last assignment was with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as a Supervisor within the Waterbury Office. Lisa's tenure with DCF spanned 16 years, dedicating her energy to families in need, especially to children with special needs. Lisa's enthusiastic response to these special children was at the core of what Lisa sincerely believed was her role in life - helping people cope with difficult circumstances and guiding them on ways to structure their lives with a quality outcome. Lisa's co-workers will miss her greatly - her spirit, leadership, abilities, kindness to all, and true passion in this field were an inspiration to all she touched.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place Monday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 109 Goodwill Ave., Meriden, everyone is asked to go directly to the church. Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden. In lieu of flowers, please make gifts in her honor to The American Heart Association, or The American Diabetes Association, or Mount Carmel School, 109 Goodwill Avenue, Meriden, CT 06451.