Alicia Koger "Lisi" Murko

Alicia "Lisi" Koger Murcko, born February 5, 1971, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at her home in Oldsmar, Florida, on December 10, 2025, after a 21-month fierce and courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. Alicia was a loving wife to Bill Murcko and a devoted, proud mother to her son, Landon. She is also survived by her mother, Peggy Koger Studer; her sister, Kristy Koger LaRose (Kris); her brother, Robert M. Koger III; and her beloved nieces and nephews, Kamryn LaRose, Abbey Murcko, Tyler Murcko and Luke Murcko. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert McMillan Koger, Jr.

Born in Columbus, Georgia, while her father was serving in the Army, Alicia grew up in North Royalton, Ohio, where her love for dance, music, and performance showed up early-especially through dance and cheer in school. She graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Education and a dance minor, blending two callings that would define her life: teaching and dance. After college, Alicia taught 5th grade for Berea City Schools, later moving to Los Angeles, California, where she continued teaching elementary school and also taught dance classes-guiding kids with high standards, a big heart, and a belief in what they could become.

In 2011, she returned to the East Coast and made her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida, continuing to teach dance and pouring her energy into the art she loved most. Five years later, she followed a dream and opened Tampa Bay Dance Academy (TBDA)-a studio that quickly became known for its talented, award-winning team and, even more, for the way Alicia shaped young lives. She mentored hundreds of students with a rare combination of excellence and encouragement-pushing them to be their best while making them feel seen, supported, and capable. TBDA and its dancers became her true passion and a community she cherished deeply.

Alicia was a true fashionista with an eye for detail and a signature sense of style-polished, intentional, and unmistakably her. She had a quick wit, a bright smile, and a presence that could lift a room. She loved being out on the water and at the beach, and she enjoyed listening to live music. She also adored her dogs, Charlie and Stevie, and she would be especially happy to know that her memory is helping other animals find safety and love.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Lakeview Church, 475 East Lake Road North, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688.

I n lieu of flowers, donations in Alicia's memory may be made to one of the rescue organizations she adopted her dogs from:

Humane Society of Pinellas County (Charlie) - give online in her memory: https://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/?give=G2EXWJD6

The Mutt Meetup (Stevie) - mail a check noting Alicia's name to: The Mutt Meetup, 18636 Gunn Highway, Odessa, FL 33556.

Alicia will be deeply missed and forever loved. In every dancer she mentored and every life she lifted, her spirit continues-reminding us all: "Don't Stop Believin'."