Lisa D'Andrea

Lisa D'Andrea, 42; a teacher with a zest for living, giving

Lisa Maria D'Andrea adored the summer season. It gave her plenty of opportunities to garden and walk along the waters near her home on Blanding Avenue in Barrington, sifting the sand for seashells and unique rocks.

She brought nature into her home as well. Potted plants thrive along window sills, complementing the many treasures found during Lisa's walks. A framed picture of Ozzy Osbourne, angel statues, Hello Kitty paraphernalia, snow globes, and penguin figurines are scattered about.

"There are so many things from our childhood here," said her youngest brother, Peter D'Andrea of Los Angeles, walking through her home.

"She had a tremendous zest for living," added her sister, Paula D'Andrea, also of Los Angeles. "We're all proud of her. . . ."

Lisa was the oldest of four. Another brother, Mark D'Andrea, lives in Newport.

Lisa, 42, was a teacher who worked for more than 20 years with special-needs children.

Bethany Aspinwall teaches the special-education classroom across the hall from Lisa at Cranston High School East. The two close friends had also worked together at Meeting Street School and Bradley Hospital, both in East Providence.

"She was my very, very good friend," Aspinwall said. "She baby-sat my kids. I sold her this place when I moved around the corner into a bigger house. . . . I've worked every place she has worked."

Lisa wouldn't have been at The Station that night if school had been in session, Aspinwall said. She went with several friends, including Abbie L. Hoisington, a special-education teacher in Burrillville, who also died in the fire.

"She went to bed by 8:30 p.m. every night," the friend recalled. "She woke up at 4 a.m. to work out and was at school in the morning by 6:15, 6:30. . . . She only stayed out late maybe three to four times a year."

Aspinwall most remembers her friend as a giver. During the recent snowstorm, Lisa didn't hesitate to shovel the driveway of her parents, William and Phyllis D'Andrea, who live in Riverside, her hometown.

Lisa also worked with her Bay Spring and West Barrington neighbors to restore the Allin's Cove salt marsh.

"There's so many slackers around, but that wasn't Lisa," Aspinwall said. "She gave back so much of herself. You call Lisa, and she'll be there."

-- Alisha A. Pina, Providence Journal staff