Elisa Ortolani-Sisti

Ortolani-Sisti, Elisa age 57 of Oakland died Friday, January 7, 2011 after a ten year struggle against breast cancer, she passed away with her family by her side. Beloved wife to Bill Sisti, Loving mother of William John and Damara Sisti Devoted daughter of the late John B. and Aida Ortolani, and sister to late Aida Ortolani. Elisa was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1953 and spent her early childhood years growing up in the Bronx. In 1961 she and her family moved to Oakland where she graduated from Indian Hills High School, class of 1971. While attending IHHS she was the class president and successfully lobbied to change the dress code to allow female students to wear pants. Elisa went on to graduate from Glassboro College, now known as Rowan University, where she majored in Fine Arts. While at Glassboro, she studied abroad in Rome, Italy to further her art education. She began her career at Stern's Department Store as a Visual Merchandiser where Elisa met her husband, Bill. During this time, she also was an accomplished jewelry designer running her own studio creating jewelry by commission. Bill and Elisa were married in 1982 and bought their first home in Montclair. They lived there for 10 years before moving back to Oakland in 1991, with their two children, William and Damara. While raising her children in Oakland, she became enthusiastically involved in their education, eventually becoming PTA president at Manito Elementary School. She became a substitute teacher and eventually earned her teaching certificate. Elisa most recently worked at Franklin Ave Middle School, in Franklin Lakes, as a Design and Art Teacher. She also taught the Gifted & Talented Art program and achieved her master's degree in Education. Dedicated to her students, Elisa continued working until it became impossible for her to do so. During her last few months she was supported and cared for by her neighbors and friends. Elisa was admired and well loved by her family and all her many friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either Catholic Charities or the Montclair Art Museum. Catholic Charities: 24 DeGrasse St. in Paterson, NJ or online at http://bit.ly/ElisaDonations Montclair Art Museum in 3 South Mountain Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 or online at http://bit.ly/ElisaMAMDonations). Relatives and friends may visit the Oakland Memorial Home on Tuesday January 11, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral Liturgy Wednesday 10:30 Am at the Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church in Franklin Lakes Burial will follow at Christ the King Cemetery Franklin Lakes, NJ For addition information condolences or directions please visit Oaklandmemorial.com