Elisabetta "Lisa" Rafaella (Poeta) Cento

Lisa Cento

 With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Lisa Cento, who left us on September 19th, 2024, at the age of 84. Born in Santo Stefano, Italy, in 1940, Lisa's life was a testament to love, resilience, and devotion to her family and faith.

 Lisa moved to the United States after marrying the love of her life, Paul Cento, and together they built a beautiful life in Indianapolis, where they raised their two children, Mike (Jennifer) and Tony. A proud and dedicated Nona, Lisa cherished her five grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren, Paul (Noelle), Anthony, Michael, Isabella, Antonio, Brock, and Scout, who adored every moment spent with her, whether it was learning to cook in her kitchen or enjoying her warm and nurturing presence.

She also was blessed to have her sisters-in-law Antoinette Pizzi, and Pina Cento, and brother-in-law John Cento and her extended family in Italy.

Lisa and her husband were the co-founders of Cento Shoes, which is still carried on today by their family.  Her love for cooking was an expression of her deep-rooted Italian heritage, and her homemade meals brought joy and comfort to her family. Sundays at her home were filled with the smell of fresh pasta and laughter, always accompanied by her favorite show, Everybody Loves Raymond.

 Lisa’s gentle spirit was equally evident in her love for nature and staying active. She found peace in her daily walks at the YMCA and enjoyed swimming at the Meridian Woods neighborhood pool. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, and she was a devoted lifelong member of St. Mark Catholic Church, where she found solace and strength.

 Lisa’s warmth, wisdom, and kindness touched all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she impacted. 

 While her presence will be sorely missed, her spirit will remain with us, in the quiet moments we shared, in the traditions she passed down, and in the love she gave so freely.

 Her family takes comfort in knowing that Lisa is now reunited with her husband, Paul, and son Tony and that her loving presence will continue to guide and protect them from above.

 A Life Celebration® visitation will be Sunday, September 29 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at O'Riley - Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46227. Morning Prayers will be Monday, September 30 at 10:30 AM at the funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at St. Mark Catholic Church, 535 Edgewood Ave, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.