Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lisa Tomczak Obituary
Lisa was born on Oct. 7, 1970, in Cambridge, daughter of the Rev. Philip Garippa of White Creek and the late Elaine (Capwell) Garippa who died on Jan. 10, 2003. Lisa graduated from Hoosick Falls High School where she participated in field hockey, basketball and softball. She was also involved in the 4-H Club. She graduated from Springfield College in Massachusetts with her masters degree in MCLA. After college she moved to Augusta, Mich., where she worked at the Cheff Center for five years doing therapeutic riding.
Lisa married Jesse on Aug. 31, 1996, and they moved to Eagle Bridge. After moving back to the area she became active in sports again, coaching girls basketball and officiating at field hockey and softball games. She was the president of the Field Hockey Officials Association. Lisa enjoyed singing worship at her father’s church, the North Hoosick Methodist Church. Lisa was also a past president of the P.T.A. at Hoosick Falls Central School. She was an avid horse back rider and especially like to ride four wheelers with her family.
Survivors other than her husband, Jesse, and father the Rev. Philip Garippa, include her three children Mattie, Aaron and Zachery all of White Creek; her in-laws Gene and Janice Tomczak of Greenwich; her sisters Lois Benoit of Hoosick Falls and Lydia Denue of Bennington, Vt.; brothers Steve Garippa of Dallas, Texas, and Scott Garippa of Hoosick Falls; her sister-in-laws Sarah Tomczak of Poultney, Vt., Chenoa Tomczak of Granville, Bethany Tomczak and Stacey Gaskell both of Greenwich. Lisa is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services on Wednesday Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. from the North Hoosick Methodist Church. Burial will follow the service at Maple Grove Cemetery in Hoosick Falls.
Relatives and friends may call at the Mahar Funeral home, 43 Main Street on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to either the Karen McGovern Memorial Fund or the Relay for Life in Bennington through the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Tomczak
Sherri,Bob&Kirsta Bowman
October 27, 2007
Rev.Garippa & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, but know Lisa is with her Mom & God. Words do not express our sorrow for you. God Bless You All....
Love Sherri,Bob & Kirsta Bowman
Dr.Ives,Sabrina,Jackie,Regina & Dennis@ Cancer Treatment Center @ Samaratin Hospital
October 17, 2007
We are all very saddened by the loss of such a beautiful person.It was a blessing to have met Lisa & to have had her in our lifes.We looked forward to seeing her at each appointment. Remembering her will bring memories to each of us.Lisa is a special soul! Our hearts & thoughts are with you all. If we can do anything,at all,we are here for you. xoxoxo
Elaine Weeden
October 12, 2007
Dear Jesse, Aaron, Mattie, Zach, the Tomczak and Garippa Families,
Our hearts are heavy with sadness over the passing of our beautiful Lisa, but are hearts are lifted with love knowing Lisa is now with her Mom and both are in the arms of the Lord enjoying what the true meaning that eternal 'life' is. Lisa will always be remembered for her beauty not only on the outside but on the inside and for her love of family and life. Paula loved Lisa from every part of her heart and we loved Lisa as well. Lisa will forever shine through her beautiful children.
We love you all so very much and we know the Lord will help you to heal knowing that Lisa is in eternal happiness.
Forever Love and Friendship,
Elaine & Vern Weeden
Sue Connal
October 12, 2007
To the Tomczak and Garippa families:
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Lisa as her teacher, coach and as a friend. Many years have passed since those times at HFCS, but the memories are still so vivid! Lisa had a special ability to bring out the best in people - she expected nothing less. I think that is because she always gave her best in all she did. From all I've heard through the years, it sounds as though she continued to live her life that way. I hope that all your wonderful memories will help sustain you in the days and years ahead. Lisa, Thoughts of you have always brought a huge smile to my face. My prayers are with your family.
Margaret O'Malley
October 11, 2007
I went to high school with Lisa. I'll never forget seeing her as Peter Pan in the high school play -- she was just radiant. My thoughts, hopes, and prayers go out to her husband, children, and family.
Paula Day
October 11, 2007
Where do I begin? I will try to keep this short if I can. I believe the first time I met Lisa was when she started helping wiht our basketball team. I remember thinking this is Lisa Garippa, one of those awesome athletes from all those league, sectional, regional, and state championships. I couldn't think that too long because before long I was sitting on my butt from a box out from this small girl. I didn't think anyone in such a small body could be so strong and compact. Boy, was I wrong. I also remember thinking how beautiful she was to look at and it didn't take long for me to see how beautiful she was on the inside.
I didn't realize what an adventure I was going to take when we became friends, but I was so happy to go along for the ride. I couldn't believe one person could possess so many wonderful qualities, loving, compassionate, religious, strong, giving, joyful, fun and yes, a little bit crazy.
I came to realize this very quickly on my first visit to the Garippa house which ended with me riding bare back on one of Lisa's horses. All I remember is Lisa laughing. I managed to get through that but didn't learn my lesson. In Michigan, Lisa, Jesse, two of their friends and I were getting ready to go for another trail ride with the horses. No sooner than the gates open and once again I found myself riding uncontrollably. Whooph! made it through again.
Then the time that Lisa convinced me it would be fun to ride on the roof of her car in the middle of winter no less with her behind the wheel. Needless to say, I am still here.
I had so much fun at the family reunions. Lisa and her family were always so welcoming. There are no strangers in this family only friends.(ps-I won't give away the secret baked beans recipe).
And that beautiful voice, no need to say more.
Then several adventures later (can't tell them all, might give the kids too many ideas), came that wonderful day that Jesse and Lisa got married. What a beautiful couple! Lisa had found her soul mate, her best friend, and her lover. Lisa singing that day to Jesse made everyone feel the love they shared. There was truly something special there.
Then came blessed gifts, Aaron, Mattison and Zachary. How beautiful they are! They will be able to carry on all those special things that we remember in Lisa!!!
I Love You All so very much!
Paula (Weeden) Day
Alice Vandecaveye (Morandi)
October 10, 2007
To the Tomczak family-
My heart and prayers go out to you and your children. I knew Lisa growing up in Hoosick Falls and had the wonderful experience of playing many sports with her. Her dedication and committment to her team was outstanding. We went our seperate ways after high school, but I will always have found memories of our time at HFCS. God Bless your family during this difficult time.
Meggan Pudvar
October 10, 2007
Jesse & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Lisa will be greatly missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Meggan Pudvar & Jim Schatz
Don Simpson
October 10, 2007
Jesse,
The many entries of the guest book only confirmed what I learned from a couple of e-mails and one lunch with you and your wife. Lisa was a wonderful person who loved her family very much. In all my communications with Lisa, her concerns and thoughts were all about you,the kids and the relatives. I'm sorry for your loss,stay strong my friend....
Pamela Abbott & David Cook
October 10, 2007
To the Tomczak & Benoit family, Our thoughts and prayers for strength during this very hard and emotional time are with you all. This is very hard news to hear and comprehend. The Lord knows this and he will not let any of you down. Lisa along with her mother will return when Jesus comes to save us all. May God bless your family.
Missie Powers
October 10, 2007
To the Tomczak & Garippa families.
Lisa, what a great person!! I have many many memories of Lisa. She always did everything at 200% and she had a way of getting you involved in whatever she was doing. I frequently remember times spent growing up and in school and Lisa is in quite a few of my memories. We always had such fun and we laughed so hard! She was a wonderful person, a great athlete and had such a beautiful voice. It saddens me deeply that someone like Lisa didn't have more time on this earth. Although we drifted on our own paths after school, I will miss her always. I am greatly saddened and send my deepest, deepest sympathies.
Rae Hodges (Philpott)
October 10, 2007
My sincerest sympathy goes out to all of Lisa's family. I have a lot of fond memories of her from going to school with her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy Kilby
October 10, 2007
Our thoughts are with you in the time of grief. Lisa was one of those people that made you smile whenever you were with her. She couldn't wait to run to my classroom and tell me that she was flying in the play Peter Pan. She put all of herself into everything that she did and became involved with, from her family to her job, 4-H, horses and her sports. She touched everyone she met in a special way that no one will ever forget. In a room full of people everyone could tell a story of how she made them laugh or sing. My first encounter with her was a meeting the first day I started teaching at Hoosick Fallsin October of 1987. She was in my Calculus class and she reminded me, in a rather large voice, that she remembered that I had coached Cambridge field hockey and now I was with Hoosick Falls. She played hockey and softball with me and helped fine tune an Empire State hockey team that traveled to California and she traveled with us. She was a born motivator for all of us. All who met her and lived with her will always have a part of her traveling with us as we go through our lives having been touched by a truly caring, remarkable woman. We will always love her and her family.
With deepest sympathy,
The Kilbys
Cathy, Jim, Tyler and Drew
Linda Davis
October 10, 2007
Lisa's Family;
I have such mixed feelings right now. I feel elation for Lisa; imagining where she is and deep sadness for you.
Three years ago, Lisa invited me up to dig up some red currant bushes that she didn't want in the garden any longer. So my mom, my sister & I took an expedition into the wilds of Lincoln Hill.
There we were, being head-butted by those fiercest of property protectors--the pigmy goats! All this with Lisa's Dad surreptitiously and wisely staying out of the fray.
So, each time I look into my back yard, each time I make currant jelly, each jar I give away, Lisa's earnestness, openness, fun-filled loving nature will be there.
Thank you, Lindy Lou
Alma Palladino
October 9, 2007
To the Tomczak family:
Our sincerest thoughts and prays go out to you in this time of need. Know that she will be missed by all.
We know you will find the strength to do what needs to be done. Bless you all.
The Palladino Family
Celeste Palladino
October 9, 2007
Jesse and family,
I am so sorry for your loss.She was a great person and everyone will miss her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelli Grennan
October 9, 2007
To the Garippa and Tomczak Families,
Lisa was a wonderful and special person. My deepest sorrows go out to you all.
Jenn Hyde
October 9, 2007
Sincere sympathy to your family. I was saddened to hear of Lisa's passing. I have many fond memories of Lisa from our days at HFCS. These memories will live on for me and for all of those who had the honor of knowing her.
Howard and Sharon Morrison
October 9, 2007
To our dear friends Mike and Lois and the entire Garrippa and Tonczak families, It is with great pain and sorrow that we write this to you. It seems like just yesterday Lisa was running and playing with our girls. She will be greatly missed. Please know that your family will be in our prayers and may God Watch over all of you as you go through this grieving process. Lisa will live on for all of you through your memories of her and in her children.God created her as one amazing person and she will always be remembered for her kindness, her faith and her love for life. Take joy in the knowledge that God blessed your life the day he brought Lisa in it Jesse and take joy in your memories and in the knowledge that she is with our heavenly father no dought about it. She has no more pain and someday we will all join her there again. Love to all and our deepest sympathy,
Cathy Harrington
October 9, 2007
To all family and friends that share in this great loss -
May God Bless you and keep you during this sad time. Call upon Him for strength and comfort. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Hayner & Louis Schmigel
October 9, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Lee Anne Shaw-Spurr
October 9, 2007
To Lisa's Family,
I am soo sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Margaret McCune
October 9, 2007
To the Garrippa and Tomczak family Lisa was a very special person as you well know! I am lucky to have been able to know her from school HFCS and softball and football The Raiders! Lisa never treated anyone different , she will shine and be a guardian angel on her children. my prayers are with you all.
Margaret McCune (Mulvihill)
The Cipperly
October 9, 2007
To the family and freinds of Lisa
Our deepest sympathy to you, but remembering Lisa will always bring us happy thoughts and fond memories.
Marlene Cipperly, Beth Cipperly
Nellie (Cipperly) Miller, Sydney Miller
Nicole Pratt
October 9, 2007
Jesse and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your pull each other closer to get through this ordeal.
Kelly & Kelsey Karp
October 9, 2007
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
William&Maryclare McGovern
October 9, 2007
Lois,Lydia and the Garippa and Tomczak families:
We offer our heartfelt condolences
on this sad occasion.
We remember her from HFCS.
May the pleasant memories comfort
you now and in the future.
Mindy Dame
October 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
ROSEANNE STOWELL
October 9, 2007
I HAVE MANY FUN MEMORIES OF LISA. SHE WAS ALWAYS A KIND PERSON WHO TREATED EVERYONE EQUAL. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. PLEASE KNOW MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WHE THE ENTIRE FAMILY DURING THIS VERY HARD TIME.
Tom and Jean Starr
October 9, 2007
We are so very sorry for your loss. Lisa was a joy to all who knew her. We always knew she was special and would do great things. She has done that and more. Our lives are better for having known her. Lisa will be greatly missed and her family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky Watson
October 9, 2007
Rev. Garippa, Lois and Mike and family-
Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. Lisa was a mentor to me in field hockey and she also assisted in coaching me in basketball. It was a pleasure to know her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jason, Becky and Abbie Watson
Michelle Fairbrother
October 9, 2007
Jesse, Aaron, Mattie, Zachery, the Tomczak and Garippa families,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and may you find peace and strength in on another. May the quiet places of your heart be filled with sweet echoes of love and memories of Lisa.
THE POWERS FAMILY
October 9, 2007
Jesse,Aaron,Mattie,Zack,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Jennifer Hunter
October 9, 2007
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Lisa was a wonderful person who will be missed dearly. I have many great memories from growing up with Lisa and am saddened to learn of her passing. Condolences to her family and friends.
Martin and Vivian Conboy
October 9, 2007
Jesse and family, we still cannot come to accept the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Janelle Bornt-Quigley
October 9, 2007
To Lisa’s loving family and friends ~
May the warm-hearted memories of Lisa help you get through this difficult time. Here is a fond memory of Lisa I’d like to share with you all:
Thoughts of Lisa take me back to the early 90’s when I was in high school @ HFCS. At the time, Lisa was my Asst. Varsity Basketball Coach under Tom Starr. I remember Lisa always taking the time to show you a better technique to your own individual style of play, but then I also remember her not so blasé side, that is to mean, her ability to let you know when you could have/should have done something a bit differently in a current situation (she could certainly be “loud” when she wanted to be). She always had a great spirit about her and wanted so much to infect us with what it meant to play together and be a TEAM. She helped instill this in our hearts by playing a song by Kenny Rogers called “WHEN YOU PUT YOUR HEART IN IT” for us to listen to each night before we went out to play. The lyrics are beautiful and the song itself makes me think of Lisa every time.
Vicki Starr (Bouplon)
October 9, 2007
Lisa will be deeply missed! We played a lot of basketball together. She always had everyone's best interest at heart. The one thing I remember about her was singing on our Senior trip on Lake George. All my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Vicki Starr (Bouplon)
Ginny and Tony Bacon
October 9, 2007
Dear Lydia and family, It is hard to understand why these things happen to someone so young. We can only believe that God know's the plan and we must trust in him. Please call me for anything. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and Lisa's family. God Bless.
Barbara DiDio
October 9, 2007
Gene & Family
My sincerest sympathies are with you and your family. May you remember our Father and know that through his love all things are possible. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Barbara
Autumn Hammond
October 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may you find peace in your hearts.
Jen and Mike King
October 9, 2007
Lydia,
We are so sorry for the loss of your sister. Our thoughts are with you.
DAVE,CAROL,BRETT HANSELMAN
October 9, 2007
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Mary Philpott Somes and family
October 8, 2007
Philip, Steve, Scott, Lois, Lydia, Jesse and families -- our thoughts and prayers are with you as we grieve with you during this time. It was only just a few short months ago that we watched our Mom go so quickly to cancer as well; your comfort helped us through that. We know what you're going through and we ask that God give you all much strength. Remember Lisa, celebrate the life she had with you all, and never forgot how much she loved you! God Bless!
Barb & Mike Griffin
October 8, 2007
Please know, really know, that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We pray the the Comforter will bring a peace and joy to your hearts --- through it all.
Love,
Rebecca Giumarra
October 8, 2007
Lois & Lydia - May God bless you with his strength and comfort during your time of sorrow. Know that so many pray for you and your families.
Laur Grande
October 8, 2007
Those we love are always with us. Their laughter and their wisdom, their advice and thoughtfulness are gifts of love that are ours to keep. May the gifts of Lisa's life comfort and console you...
Shelly Valovic-Fennessey
October 8, 2007
I'm truly sorry to hear of your loss. The first thing I thought of when hearing of Lisa's passing is all of the times she sang the National Anthem beautifully at Springfield College before our field hockey games. I played Empires with Lisa in high school, then at Springifield, and she officiated games as I coached for Gloversville High School. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathi Carknard
October 8, 2007
Jesse, Aaron, Mattie, Zach, the Tomczak and Garippa families,
I am so very sorry that you have to go through this. I know what you are feeling and my heart aches for all of you. You will have strength you didn't know you had. Rely on those who love you and take comfort in the time you did have. Lisa is in my prayers; such a wonderfully humble woman who rejoiced in her family and lived each day as it came. I will miss her smile and hugs. My love to you all.
Rev. Gary Strubel
October 8, 2007
I'm very sorry for your loss, and my prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray, with all who mourn; that, casting all their care on you, they may know the consolation of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Kristin Sorel
October 8, 2007
My thoughts are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Eileen Rodak
October 8, 2007
My sincerest sympathy goes out to all of Lisa's family. Lisa shared her many talents while on this earth - she was truley a remarkable person and will be remembered for years to come.
Amy & Steve Surdam
October 8, 2007
Jesse and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you the strength you need during this difficult time.
Lori Chapones
October 8, 2007
My deepest sympathies to Lisa's family. I will never forget what an awesome Peter Pan Lisa made, her gorgeous singing voice when she sang w/the band @ Cornerstone Fellowship or her generous nature to all. Small consolation is knowing that she is with God and her mom now. God Bless, Lori Chapones & the Chapones family
Amy & Steve Surdam
October 8, 2007
Jesse
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May god give you all the strength to get through this difficult time.
Sharon Messersmith
October 8, 2007
To the family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Terri Burdick
October 8, 2007
To the Garippa and Tomczak families,
My thoughts and prayers have been, and will continue to be, with you all in this time of sorrow.
Dr. Charles Salem & Staff
October 8, 2007
Our hearts are broken for your loss. We will never forget her.
Joe Wilson
October 8, 2007
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
May God shower you with His Peace in this difficult time.
Joe and Gayle Magisano
October 8, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family on Lisa's death. Marvel at the courage she had but God saw she was getting tired and took her home and she is now without pain. You have such wonderful memories to hold in your hearts ~ she was too young for sure ~ we know not God's plan ~ you will see her in her children and know they have a special Guardian Angel to carry them through the years. May God give you peace and strength as the year of "firsts" begins without her ~ they will come fast and furious but with God's grace, you will endure each day!
"Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But when God call us one by one
The chain will link again"
Sharon & Dwight Goodermote
October 8, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Ed and Lynda Kelkuski
October 8, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Roberta Breese
October 8, 2007
Our prayers go out to the Garippa andTomczak families on the loss of a very special and courages woman, as she fought very hard to win this dradful disease. We have and will continue to pray for Lisa who is now at rest and her loving family who will miss her.
God Bless and watch over each one of you in this time of need.
Roberta & Robert Breese
Jennifer and Emily Houghton
October 8, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Sprague Family
October 8, 2007
Jesse, Aaron, Mattie, and Zach
We were sadden to hear of your loss and in times like this it is hard to find the words to say, but our thoughts and prayers are now with you and your family.
Deborah Burgess
October 8, 2007
Dear Lydia,
I am so sorry for your loss of your sister. If there is anything that I can do please let me know. My prayers are with you and your family.
Val & Bob Brenenstuhl
October 8, 2007
To the Family,
Our prayers are with you at this time. Know that she is safe in God's hands and having a lovely conversation with her mom. Telling her all about what has happened. May God make your healing time short as possible.
Allen and Rebecca Humphrey
October 8, 2007
May God be your strength during this time of deep sadness.
Showing 1 - 67 of 67 results
Make a Donation
in Lisa Tomczak's name
Memorial Events
for Lisa Tomczak
How to support Lisa's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Lisa Tomczak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
