Lisa Atkinson Obituary

Atkinson, Lisa SAN MATEO, Calif. Lisa Serniak Atkinson, 51, died May 9, 2009. Daughter of Daryl Serniak and the late Constantine Serniak. Survivors, daughters, Sarah Emily, Lara Kincheloe; sons, Dylan and Bram Kincheloe, husband, George Kincheloe. Service at the ASK Arts Center, 97 Broadway, Kingston, N.Y. Saturday, August 29, 2-5 p.m. Arrangements, Burnett & White Funeral Homes, Rhinebeck, N.Y.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Aug. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Lisa Atkinson

6 Entries

August 27, 2009

I too was a classmate of Lisa at Coleman. I'll always remember hew sweet smile! I did not know of her career and since learning of her passing I have listened to her music. I am glad to know that she was able to touch many hearts and souls through her music.

My condolences to her family. She will be missed.

Lou DeCicco

August 25, 2009

I was a classmate of Lisa's for 4 years at Colemen. I remember her being involved in Children's Theater and how she sang and played her guitar. She was a very beautiful girl with a warm smile. A few years ago I contacted her by email and she sent me a Christmas card with some kind words. I was saddened to hear of her passing and offer my condolences to her family.

tracy grammer

August 25, 2009

I met Lisa just once, in her capacity as a DJ at KKUP in Cupertino. Lisa was hosting a radio birthday party for a young girl named Olivia. Olivia dreamed that for her 11th birthday, her friends and family would help her raise money to save the sea turtles instead of buying her gifts. Lisa generously gave Olivia some airtime to help support the cause.

Dave Carter and I were a couple of touring musicians coming down from Portland, Oregon for a show at Espresso Garden & Cafe in San Jose. To help publicize, we were scheduled to sing and play on-air at KKUP just before Olivia.

As we made our way south, we learned of Olivia's birthday wish and wanted to help. Dave Carter, a prolific and imaginative songwriter, wrote a special song for the occasion. He had the words and music for "Celia Says" finished by the time we arrived at the station.

We played and chatted with Lisa on the radio, and then made room for Olivia to pitch her cause. When she was done, Dave and I asked if she'd like to help us sing the sea turtle song on the air. Everyone very enthusiastically agreed. That afternoon, "Celia Says" was played for the first time, with Lisa, Olivia, and Olivia's friend singing along on the choruses. I'll never forget it.

Lisa later recorded "Celia Says" on her award-winning album, AN ELEPHANT IN AISLE FOUR. It was the first time one of Dave Carter's songs had been recorded by anyone but himself. It was a huge honor for him, a dream come true. And he was absolutely delighted with the purity, clarity, and joy communicated in Lisa's version. Hers was the right voice and spirit for the song. Just lovely.

Dave Carter left us in 2002. I can't help but wonder if Lisa and Dave might be cooking up some new kids' songs in a heavenly band somewhere...

I am so sorry to hear of Lisa's death, and I offer up my deepest condolences and prayers for healing and grace to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her spirit and her music.

Katherine Bollin (Pietkiewicz)

August 25, 2009

Like Susan, I too fondly remember our circle of friends in high school. Images of Lisa singing and playing her guitar are warmly remembered. Any time I hear "Blackbird singing in dead of night · Take these broken wings and learn to fly · All your life · You were only waiting for this moment to arise......, " the voice and music I hear in my head is Lisa's.
We had the opportunity to reconnect, briefly, here in Albany shortly before she moved to California. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Michael Matthews

August 23, 2009

Lisa was one of my first friends. Her Aunt lived next door to me and we played and laughed together as little kids, then went all through kindergarten, grammar school and high school together. Her mother was actually my Third Grade teacher.
I particularly remember Lisa involved in Children's Theater at Coleman H.S. in our production of Pinocchio. She stepped in in an emergency and saved the day!
Lisa was a fun, talented, gentle soul who made the world a more livable and lovable place. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.

Susan Barnett

August 23, 2009

Lisa was my very closest friend for most of our high school years. We drifted apart but I saw her again when both of our children were very small.

She was an outstanding talent, a gentle, sweet and very funny person and I still have notes we sent to each other that make me laugh.

I am very sad that the world has lost another sweet soul. My deepest condolences to her family - many people understand who you've lost.

Susan Barnett

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