Lisa Utsey

In Loving Memory of Our Dearest Friend, Lisa Utsey

Lisa Utsey, of Modesto, California, passed away peacefully at her home on October 30, 2025. Her parents preceded her in death, Cindy Ward and Emmett Utsey, Sr.

Lisa was known for her contagious energy, sharp wit, and the remarkable way she could make anyone laugh with her perfectly timed sarcasm. To know Lisa was to be drawn to her light-she had a natural warmth that made everyone feel welcome, accepted, and loved.

For the past 17 years, Lisa has been a proud and passionate self-advocate. She served as an Association of Regional Center Agencies (ARCA) Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) representative and Self-Advocacy Council 6 (SAC6) consultant, dedicating herself to amplifying the voices of others. Her commitment to advocacy extended to her work with the Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC), where she served as a board member, then as appointed secretary, and for the last six years, as a member of the VMRC Finance Committee.

Lisa's passion for helping others shone through in everything she did-from leading trainings at VMRC and encouraging self-advocacy, to presenting at the Statewide Self-Advocacy Conference and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) on topics close to her heart, including preparing for the "End of Life." She regularly collaborated with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) North Valley Hills team on a wide range of self-advocacy trainings and outreach efforts. At CHOICES 2025 conference, Lisa co-emceed the event, received an Honorable Mention for her t-shirt artwork, and was a video contest winner! Her dedication, courage, and compassion left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of hearing her speak or working alongside her.

Outside of her advocacy work, Lisa found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her family and friends-whether that meant going to the movies, taking trips to the beach, or sharing laughter. She took great pride living independently; this was one of her many accomplishments. Sundays were sacred for cheering on her beloved San Francisco 49ers. And at the heart of it all, Lisa lived by a simple but powerful belief: "Ohana means family." – Stitch.

Lisa was a force to be reckoned with-sunshine on a cloudy day, and a constant source of strength and love. Her spirit touched countless lives, and her legacy of kindness, advocacy, and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Please join her friends in celebrating her life on November 22, 2025, from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm at Valley CAPS, 108 Campus Way in Modesto, Ca.

Lisa will be deeply missed and forever remembered.