Lisa A. Ludowese

Lisa Ann Ludowese, age 51, of Apple Valley, MN passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Lisa was born on February 23, 1974, to her parents James P. and Florence L. (Reimer) Ludowese. She grew up in Prior Lake, MN and was the youngest of 3 children. After the death of her birth mother, her father married Roberta J. (Schmokel) Ludowese who adopted the 3 children 1978.

Lisa is survived by her brother, Jim (Michelle) Ludowese and sons, J.D. (Georgia) and Nick, her sister, Lori (Vince) Paulus and children, Dan (Megan) and Kate. Lisa is preceded in death by her parents, James, birth mother Florence, and adoptive mother Roberta, many aunts, uncles and friends.

Born in 1974, Lisa was a trailblazer even when small as one of the first to have open heart surgery at the U of M to repair the hole in her heart. Her lifelong "zipper" was her first scar on this earth but allowed her many more years to "change the world."

Years ago, when dad would talk of Lisa and her special needs many would say "I'm sorry" - to which he would normally respond in some fashion "Nothing to be sorry for, she was the glue that held the family together in the early years when the difficult times hit." Lisa remained the "glue" for us all through the years. She was the one to consistently remind us of the importance of family & friends by looking to the next holiday or upcoming birthday to celebrate someone. "How you?" was a common question she asked many times a day as she checked in on you.

Lisa remained consistent in her enjoyment of the simple things in life, for example, coloring (crayon, pencils, markers, iPad) - you name it, she loved to color with it. Lisa also remained consistent in her enjoyment of music (especially Garth Brooks) and singing to her favorite Disney classics. Lisa had the opportunity to travel to Disneyworld several times, which she truly enjoyed. In more recent years, many happy memories were made dancing and singing to her favorite Disney songs (and others) in the comfort of home with family and friends.

Lisa had acquired several scars through her years. Hip replacement (Fall 2020), spinal fusion (June 2023), broken tibia/fibula - seizure scar (Fall 2023), knee replacement (May 2024), she was a trooper through it all. She showed her incredible tolerance for pain in this world. Although it seems like too short of a life, she is now at "her party" with all those that have gone before her (moms, dad, many aunts, uncles and "friends"). All her scars have now been erased for which we are happy.

In this lifetime, Lisa has taught us all so much - acceptance, strong will, persistence through difficulties, unconditional love, to accept what we are handed and still smile (or even giggle). She taught us that it is ok to be mad or upset, but also the importance of keeping that short-lived. We can all learn from the lesson she exemplified. She had such a pure heart and was always willing to blow or give a kiss to those who showed her kindness, and her hugs (with a slight pat on the back) will always be remembered.

It is with gratitude we want to acknowledge all those who have showered Lisa with prayers, presence, cards and love. She appreciated it all probably more than you will ever know, as did we.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Lisa with a memorial to one of the following entities of your choice.

Each has been a tremendous help for Lisa, her family and caregivers.

ProAct Shakopee

Lisa attended ProAct Shakopee (aka New Options) at different times in her life including the most recent years. They loved her through many stages, recoveries, and accepted her through it all - even her "spicy days".

The particular fund for Shakopee is: https://www.proactinc.org/donate-now/

Alzheimer's Association

Alz.org has been so helpful in learning to help Lisa in the last twelve plus months -

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/down-syndrome.

Their donation website is: https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNJSGFETKJ

National Down Syndrome Society (https://ndss.org/ )

NDSS embodies beliefs that help individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy changes which are so important, providing resources with unexpected diagnosis like we had, and shifting public perceptions.

Their donation website is: https://ndss.org/?campaign=455161

Visitation Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 12:30-2:30 PM, Mass at 2:30 PM, all at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 9900 Lyndale Ave. South, Bloomington, MN. Livestream of the service will be provided by Nativity of Mary Catholic Church (link soon). An ice cream social will follow at the church.

Graveside service Thursday, August 14, at 3:00 PM, at St. Catherine Cemetery, 4500 220th St E, Prior Lake, MN 55372. A reception will follow the burial at a location to be determined.

Being this will be Lisa's "party" as she referred to her understanding of death and return to Heaven, please wear your bright colors (Lisa's favorites were pink, yellow and purple) or your support attire for Lisa's causes. Lisa entered this world with a hole in her heart and left this world leaving a hole in ours, but her memory will live in all of us.

Please watch Lisa's tribute video produced by Archiving Life Media. Click on the Tribute Wall tab.