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Lisa DeLaurant Obituary
November 3, 1960 - February 8, 2023
Fresno, California - Our world is poorer today following the passing of one of its dearest souls. Lisa was modest, self-critical, intensely private -- and a wonderful companion to all who made the cut.
Lisa earned diplomas from McLane High School, Fresno City College and CSU Fresno. Starting as a library aide, she worked for nearly 30 years at multiple locations of the Fresno County Public Library, most recently at the Central (downtown) Branch Heritage Center.
She loved dogs and cats almost to excess. Her tastes ran to world music, mystery, fantasy and children's literature, character wrist watches and T-shirts, stuffed and wind-up toys, American 'tiki' culture, Japanese chocolate and Indian Tandoori.
Born in Fresno to Kenji and Lilly Onchi, Lisa's surviving family includes her husband of 40+ years Dave DeLaurant; her sister Karla Hutchens; her nephew Shawn Toshiro Hutchens and his family; her aunt Mary Kato and numerous cousins; her in-laws Barbara DeLaurant and Robert + Marie Shakespeare; her niece Rebecca Shakespeare and her family.
She was beloved, and will be missed by all who were privileged to know her. Her favorite charities are Cat House on the Kings and Project Survival Cat Haven. A memorial celebration will be held later, time and place TBA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa DeLaurant
6 Entries
Dave DeLaurant
March 30, 2024
Best friend, best wife, best person. You gave my life meaning and made me happy. Love forever.
Kimberly Rene Sweidy
July 11, 2023
At George W. Turner Elementary School, Lisa gave me a little Christmas present that was a keychain. On that keychain was a little "plaque" with a picture of Lucy from Peanuts carrying a picket sign that said, "Help Stamp Out Things That Need Stamping Out." I felt as though Lisa literally peered into my soul...in elementary school.
Lisa, you inspired me as a person and as a writer. Please know that my life's passion and purpose has been and still is "stamping out things that need stamping out." Thank you for confirming that to me. It helped shape my life. Only the special few have that ability. You were one of a kind.
Jill Hunter Hinthorne
February 24, 2023
I knew Lisa in junior high at Kings Canyon. We were in the same chorus class and shared a love of The Beatles. She was very kind and unassuming and I enjoyed her friendship. We lost touch after moving on to different high schools, me to Roosevelt, she to McLane. I am sad to learn she's passed and her husband and family have my deepest condolences and prayers for peace and encouragement.
Dear Lisa, "when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shine on until tomorrow"
Joanna Holt-Chase
February 14, 2023
I first met Lisa in the Science building at Fresno State. She and I even had a few biology classes together. What a delight it was for me to see Lisa several years later, when I discovered she was working down the hall from me, newly hired as a library assistant for the WoW! Department on the second floor of the Central library. She and would pass in the hallway, each of us having an inkling that we knew the other from ... somewhere ...
It finally dawned on me, one day, while eating lunch in the staff break room. All of the memories came flooding back, and I walked straight into The Heritage Center and said to Lisa: "Biology department, Fresno State, right?" She lit up with a huge smile, and said, "YES!! That´s been bothering me ever since you started working here!" I exclaimed, "Me, too!! What a huge relief to finally put it all together! How did you end up working for the library?"
Lisa was very bright, very quiet, and very kind. I will always remember her gentle spirit and sweet smile.
Karla
February 12, 2023
No goodbyes, just good memories.
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