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BORN
1963
DIED
2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Lisa Dunbar Obituary
February 24, 1963 - July 25, 2025
Lisa Colleen Dunbar, 62, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away far too early in life on July 25, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and wrapped in love. Born on February 24, 1963, in San Francisco, California, Lisa lived a life marked by grace, devotion, creativity, and deep love for the people around her.
Lisa met the love of her life, Wayne Dunbar, in November 1983, and they were married on September 21, 1985. They shared a deep bond and nearly 40 years of marriage, building a life rooted in family, faith, and unconditional love. Their home in Petaluma, California, became a warm and welcoming place where they raised their sons Chad and Chase, and where Lisa poured her heart into creating lasting memories.
Lisa had a way of making everything beautiful. She could transform a room with her eye for design, turn a simple meal into something incredible, and make every holiday magical. She manicured nails to perfection during her more than 25-year career as a manicurist, forming lasting friendships with many of her clients. Later in life, she pursued her passion for interior design and became an accredited professional home stager, pairing perfectly with Wayne's real estate photography business.
Beyond her talents, Lisa's heart was expansive. After the sudden passing of her brother, she lovingly opened her home to help raise Louis, Sarah, and Jason, treating them as her own. She made everyone feel safe, loved, and truly at home.
Lisa studied early childhood development at the College of Marin. It was while filling in at the daycare at Wallbangers in Corte Madera that she met Wayne - an unexpected moment that would shape a lifetime. From those early days, she was known for her quiet strength, warm smile, and kind spirit.
Lisa is survived by her husband Wayne, sons Chad and Chase, her mother Katherine Mae Kogler, stepmother Sandra Trau, her siblings Dawn Maloney and Phillip Trau, Jr., and her sister-in-law Natasha Trau, as well as her cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her father Phillip Trau, Sr., and her brothers Louis Maloney and Bruce Carlson.
Lisa's legacy is one of love, beauty, kindness, and quiet strength. Her presence created peace, and her absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Services.
Idaho Memorial Service. Saturday, August 16, 2025 10:00 a.m., Parkview Christian Church., 201 W Ustick Rd, Meridian, ID.
Celebration of Life Petaluma, California. Sunday, September 21, 2025 12:00 p.m., Petaluma Woman's Club., 518 B Street, Petaluma, CA. (This date would have marked what would have been Lisa and Wayne's 40th wedding anniversary.).
In Lisa's Honor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Lisa Dunbar to support a cause dear to the family:
Support Little Mia's Brave Medical Fight. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-little-mias-brave-medical-fight.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Lisa Dunbar
Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Dunbar
10 Entries
Nancy Ila Sher Malone
August 13, 2025
I am very saddened to hear of Lisa´s illness and passing. Kathy and Lisa opened their hearts and their lives to me in grammar school, inviting me to my first Christmas with them. From then on, my love and affection only grew deeper. I haven´t seen either of them for way too many years. Always in my heart, forever a part of my soul and gratitude beyond words for the love we shared.
Alice Torres
August 12, 2025
I have the dearest memories of Lisa. She was an angel of love, always concerned for the wellbeing of others, never ceasing. I remember the milestone birthday party Lisa orchestrated for her mother. It was held at Lisa´s beautiful home. Even though Lisa´s personal business pursuits were going through some difficult transitions (that she eventually surmounted successfully), at that cheery event, some 60 people coming and going, Lisa was tireless, always giving of herself, watching out for others, creating a moment in time of enjoyment, love, and celebration. She was happy if others were happy. That´s the Lisa I remember.
Mary Ann Gallardo
August 11, 2025
Dear Kathi so sorry about your loss. I met your lovely daughter once at a birthday celebration for you. She was very welcoming and I saw how much her family meant to all. Her fondest memories will live on in all your hearts.
Mary Ann (Red Hat Club Member of olde)
GAIL BOYD
August 10, 2025
To Lisa's loving family, Lisa was a beautiful young person, loving and giving of self to others she met. Happy memories of gatherings in Petaluma, especially 4th of July in the park! Prayers to you Wayne, Chase and Chad and Lisa's very loving mother Kathie, and family, that the strength you share with each other will help heal your hearts.
Fondly,
Gail Boyd
Sheila Dunnigan
August 10, 2025
Dear Wayne and family,
So sorry for your loss.
As one of her many BFFs, Lisa had her ways - always signing off with her "Hugs ", greeted me with an affectionate nickname and was a supportive friend who loved to laugh.
She was a triple threat: She sang, she danced, and was a class act all around. I wish we had more time but will cherish our friendship in my heart.
Mostly, Lisa loved her family and friends
We were all lucky to be able to have loved Lisa back.
I'll miss you Lis , Sheesh
Patty Brown-Kray
August 9, 2025
To Lisa's family we send our deepest condolences. She was a sweet lady, always full of life and pride in her family. We sat with your mother in church, and loved to hear how proud she was of her children and grandchildren children. Your cherished memories will be their lasting hope. God love you all. Go in peace with Jesus.
Patty and Steve Kray
Britt Rosenmayr
August 8, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Lisa was so special and will be Forever in our hearts.
CARROLL J Naragon
August 8, 2025
She was beautiful inside and out! A truly loved soul by friends and family. Wayne you were a wonderful husband to her!
Tanya Morgan
August 5, 2025
While we grew apart in adulthood, I have many warm memories of the time we spent together growing up - sharing weekends, childhood adventures, and the typical schoolwork and studying routines.
Those early years, as part of a blended family sibling, left a lasting impression on me with cherished memories. Lisa was a meaningful part of that chapter in my life, and I will always be grateful for the time we shared.
I am truly saddened by her passing and offer my heartfelt condolences to all whose lives she touched.
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