Maria Elisa Silva Shores

Maria Elisa "Lisa" Shores, 81, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home with her children at her side on April 1, 2025.
Born on September 30, 1943, in Lisbon, Portugal, Lisa was the eldest of eleven children born to Mario Nunes Melro and Alcinda Ramos Melro. From the very beginning, Lisa radiated intelligence, independence, and an unshakable sense of purpose.
As a teenager, she worked as a tour guide for the U.S. Embassy in Portugal, often spending her days in the Jardim da Estrela park, charming American tourists and sharpening her English with grace and determination. Lisa graduated early from Colegio Rainha Santa Isabel in Coimbra, earning a degree that would be the foundation of a life lived boldly. She went on to serve in the Portuguese Air Force and finished in the intelligence branch.-a fearless, trailblazing woman ahead of her time. It was during her military service that she met the love of her life, Ren Shores, a U.S. Marine serving at the embassy.
Lisa moved to the United States with Ren in 1965, beginning a new chapter with the same courage and adventurous spirit that defined her youth. They were first stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina, where they welcomed their son Lance, followed by their daughter Dominique. Later, their journey took them to the Philippines, where Lisa embraced life abroad once again, working as a private investigator for the Navy Exchange-a role that showcased her intelligence, intuition, and natural tenacity. In 1980, the Shores family made Virginia Beach their home. Lisa began working in the Loss Prevention Unit at the Navy Exchange before joining the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she became one of the city's first certified Polygraph Technicians. Her career was marked by a fierce work ethic, unwavering integrity, and a quiet confidence that earned her the respect of all who worked alongside her.
When Ren suffered a stroke in 1993, Lisa stepped into the role of full-time caregiver with unmatched grace and devotion. She made his comfort and care her mission, embodying the deepest meaning of love and loyalty.
Lisa's presence was magnetic. She was a storyteller in every sense-animated, witty, and filled with warmth. Her stories brought people together, filled rooms with laughter, and left lasting impressions on everyone she met. She had a rare ability to be both direct and deeply compassionate, never mincing words but always leading with love. To know Lisa was to know generosity in its purest form. She gave without hesitation-of her time, her wisdom, her energy, and her heart. She was the ringleader, the encourager, the protector, the one who made everyone feel like family. Her deep pride in her Portuguese roots, her love for travel, and her joy in bringing people together reflected a life fully lived.
She adored her grandchildren and never missed a chance to cheer them on. She had a lifelong love for animals, a deep appreciation for friendship, and a zest for life that never waned.
Lisa was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Cheri Shores, and her brothers Candido and Jecka Melro.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Ren Shores; her son, Lance P. Shores; her daughter, Dominique R. Shores; and her beloved grandchildren, Grant, Sophia, and Logan. She is also survived by her devoted siblings: sisters Maria Violante, Rosa Maria, Maria do Carmo, Deolinda C., and Bina; brothers Manuel, Augustho, and Mario Melro; along with countless nieces, nephews, and extended family members in the United States and abroad who cherished her dearly.
Lisa's legacy is one of strength, love, courage, and laughter. She lived life on her terms-fearlessly, fully, and with extraordinary heart. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.
Lisa's legacy of love, strength, and spirited storytelling will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A Celebration of Life will be held for Lisa at 11am on April 26, 2025, at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel. Condolences may be left for Lisa online at www.altmeyerfh.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maria, please visit our floral store.