Lisa Marie Saari

Lisa Marie (Ortiz) Saari, "Li", 56, of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, surrounded by her loving family on September 29, 2025. The sunset that followed was unlike any other just like her.
After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Lisa succumbed to the illness she fought so tremendously. She never let cancer define or limit her, and did everything on her own terms. With poise and incredible strength, Lisa endured countless treatments and clinical trials that gave us nearly four more precious years with her. The family would like to thank the incredible care team at Dana Farber Cancer Institute who made this possible - we are forever grateful.
Lisa is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Matthew P. Saari of Worcester, MA. She also leaves her daughters: Jacqueline C. Staruk, Jillian J. Staruk, and Jericka M. (Staruk) Lemire and her husband Zachery, all of Worcester, MA; her sons: Matthew R. Saari of Worcester, MA, and Timothy J. Swartz of Ohio; and her beloved grandchildren - Lola R. Deschamps, Logan P. Lucier, Spencer Swartz and Vivienne L. Lemire - who were the light of her life and greatest joy.
She also leaves behind her parents, Carlos M. Ortiz and Jean (Burbo) Ortiz of Worcester, MA; her brothers: Carlos M. Ortiz and his wife Cathy, Mark E. Ortiz and his wife Stacie, and Eric A. Ortiz and his wife Samantha, all of Leicester, MA; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Undoubtedly, Lisa will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Lisa was born and educated in Worcester, MA, and graduated from South High School in 1987. In addition to raising her children, she worked in multiple industries over the years, and along the way, amassed what seemed like a thousand friends she really did know everyone! She ran an at-home daycare, managed multiple restaurants, and later returned to school to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She earned a nursing degree from Mount Wachusett Community College in 2010, and her BA from SNHU, an achievement she was incredibly proud of. She worked hard, studied tirelessly, and balanced it all while raising a family with her husband.
Lisa began her nursing career at UMass Memorial Medical Center and took on numerous roles over her tenure - traveling nurse, wound care specialist, case manager, care coordinator, Nurse Education Safety Specialist (NESS), and nurse manager. After her diagnosis in December 2021, she took a brief leave of absence to begin treatment; but quickly returned to case management in the University campus emergency room. She worked there until retiring early to enter at-home hospice care.
Lisa's presence was authentic, vivacious, and undeniable. She had a magnetic personality that naturally drew people in; a rare gift that followed her throughout life. She was certainly fresh, and oh, so fun. Everyone wanted to be around her, and if Lisa was there, you knew you'd have a blast. She loved a good time, hated a bore, and brought along an infectious energy wherever she went. Her unforgettable laugh could be heard a mile away. Lisa was a fierce friend, a go-getter, and a woman with an unmatched work ethic. She lived with passion and determination, constantly driven to accomplish more and help others along the way.
Lisa lived her life fully and made sure to embrace every moment; enjoying fabulous food, attending concerts and live shows, "paying a bill" at the casino, going out with friends, traveling the world, and spending her days off at her happy place: the beach. All of this she did accompanied by her husband, her "cabana boy", her partner in fun, Matt, who she loved so much. A die-hard Boston sports fan, she never missed a Red Sox or Patriots game and cheered loud and proud no matter the score; she always supported "her boys"! She loved a good tune and enjoyed classic lite rock the most- The Eagles and Bee Gees were her favorite. Above all else, nothing brought her more happiness than being with her family. Sunday visits with her children and grandchildren were paramount and meant the world to her.
Lisa had a gift for bringing people together. She was vibrant, exciting, loyal, and full of love. Her electric presence filled a room - and her absence leaves an immeasurable void that will never be filled.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Dirsa-Morin Funeral Home, 298 Grafton St., Worcester, MA. To leave a message of condolence or share a memory, please visit www.worcesterfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, in memory of Lisa.