Lisa Lawson (nee Greene)

To Lisa Lawson (nee Greene), the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Lisa, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Lisa really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

      Lisa was born on May 9, 1970 at Scarborough General Hospital in Scarborough, Ontario. Her parents were Jim and Karen Greene. Lisa was raised in Newcastle, Ontario. Even as a child, Lisa had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Lisa was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Lisa managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Lisa was raised with one sibling. She had an older sister, Victoria.

      All of Lisa's playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Lisa experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. In her spare time she liked reading and animals. Lisa's memorable achievements included winning an award for writing a play in grade three.

      Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Lisa was a class “cut-up.” She didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Lisa simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. Lisa really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was Lisa's best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Lisa graduated from Clarke High School in 1988. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. Her favourite class in high school was English. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was her math teacher, Mr. Essex. Lisa graduated in the top of her class.

      Lisa reveled in her college years, where her imagination could run free. She was viewed by many of her classmates as being a creative, artistic person. Lisa was usually found at the center of things, whether it was during class or in extracurricular activities. She was a jovial person who loved to share her passion for fun with others. But for Lisa, life was not a case of all play and no work. Lisa relished the task of putting her imagination to work in class. She was able to discover new and different ways of answering problems and creating unusual and different solutions. Lisa earned her Business Systems Medical Option and Information Studies. Her favourite course was Medical Studies and some of her most prestigious awards included the Dean's List and Top of Class List in Durham College.

      Lisa never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Lisa to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Lisa delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Lisa was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Lisa utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of her best friends were Kenny Macey, Dana Schuik and Tracey Kelleher. Later in life, she became friends with Victoria Greene, Kelly Assels, Sue Blackburn and Sarah Delicate. Lisa loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Lisa very easy to approach. On June 10, 2000 Lisa exchanged wedding vows with Steve Kenneth Lawson at Columbus United Church of Columbus, Ontario. She tried hard not to impose on her spouse. She was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

      Perhaps the reason Lisa related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own child. Lisa was blessed with one child, her son Luke. Lisa had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with her son, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Lisa's compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining him with fun and creative play. In fact, Lisa had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Lisa was a real “people person. ” she had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Lisa liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Lisa was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Lisa's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Lisa as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was in administration. She was employed for 10 years at Lakeridge Health Bowmanville, 1 year at McMillan Birch Law Firm, 4 years at Young & Rubicam and 4 years with the Gananaska Regional Conservation Authority.

      Lisa enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Lisa liked creating and making things. Her favourite pursuits were reading, scrap booking and traveling. Lisa was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Lisa felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if she wasn’t the best, Lisa loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Lisa relished the opportunities where she could make an impact, and she would often push herself to play above her abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Lisa never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. Recreational sports included skiing, scuba diving, golfing, biking and running. Lisa was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favourite events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was watching her son Luke play hockey.

      Lisa had an endless appetite for new and different activities. She was always ready to join in the fun and add her flair and energy to an organization. Because of her personality, her humour, and her ability to get along with everyone, Lisa's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which she belonged. In high school, Lisa was a member of the Yearbook Committee. Throughout her later years, Lisa was an active member of Hearth Place.

      Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Lisa recognized that her faith was important to her throughout her life. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for 15 years and Courtice Community Church for 3 years.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Lisa just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favourite vacations included Niagara Falls, St. Maarten and an Alaskan cruise.

      Lisa was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Lisa's favourites was Myka, a German Shepherd dog. They were best friends for 11 1/5 years. Her family was rounded out by her cats, Crickett and Scooter and her dogs Sasha, Penny, Amos, Cleo and Goldie.

      Lisa passed away on November 5, 2010 at home in Newcastle, Ontario. Lisa fought a brave battle against Breast Cancer. She is survived by her husband Steve, son Luke, parents Jim and Karen and sister Victoria. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Lisa was laid to rest in Bowmanville Cemetery in Bowmanville, Ontario.

      Lisa brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Lisa Lawson (nee Greene) lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.

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LAWSON, Lisa (nee Greene)

Passed away after a lengthy but courageous battle against cancer, with her loving family at her side on Friday, November 5th, 2010, at the age of 40. Loving wife, best friend and soulmate of Steve for 20 years. Cherished Mom and best friend of Luke. Beloved sister of Victoria, loving daughter of Jim and Karen (Keith). Adored daughter-in-law of Linda (Rod) and Maurice (Brenda). Lisa will be greatly missed by many aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends from all across the country. Those who knew Lisa will remember her for her great strength, courage, love of life, compassion and seeing the very best in everything and everyone. Friends may call on the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) for visitation on Tuesday, November 9th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 P.M. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, November 10th at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted for Hearth Place Cancer Support Centre or the Luke Lawson Trust Fund.

“Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain.”