Lisa Marie Watters was a loving mother and a wonderful wife. A true social butterfly, Lisa was easy to get to know, had many friends and was loved by everyone she met. She was selfless, strong and always willing to give a helping hand. Her faith never faltered, she never asked “why me” and she was an example of perseverance and strength to everyone around her. She was the type of person who knew how to have fun and made sure everyone around her was having fun as well.
Lisa Marie Watters was born on November 24, 1957 to Clifford and Lois Paul. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Lisa grew up with an older sister, Lori, and younger brother, Scott. Lisa loved family and was raised in a home that included her grandparents. She was especially fond of her grandmother, Nanny, who would greet her each day after school with homemade treats and taught her how to sew and cook.
As a young girl, Lisa enjoyed socializing. It should be no surprise to her friends and family that Lisa received a Chatty Kathy doll one year for Christmas – a perfect present for a girl with similar qualities. In her spare time, Lisa loved to sew, and play the flute and piano.
In high school, Lisa was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. She graduated from Reynolds High School in 1976. After graduation, Lisa embarked on what she said were some of the best years of her life: college.
Lisa attended Oregon State University where she earned a Bachelors degree in Home Economics in 1981. Lisa embraced all that college had to offer – both educationally and socially. As a member of Delta Gamma sorority, Lisa flourished in the social setting making numerous life-long friends.
Lisa was in her element when she was surrounded by people. She was always an active participant usually taking on the duty of organizing social gatherings. In her early years, some of her best friends were Jennifer Lund, Kim Buley, Kehli Nicholson, Shelly Wiederrich and Sheryl Schleiffers. Later in life she became friends with Dave and DeeDee Munson, Joe and Lori Luchak, Larry and Janet Booth, Don and Joann Wold, Fred and Diane Bachofner, countless sorority sisters, and many more. Lisa touched many lives.
On July 30, 1983 Lisa married Stan Watters at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. Lisa and Stan welcomed daughter Rebecca in 1987, and son Jonathan in 1989. Lisa maintained a firm hand in their upbringing as a Stay-At-Home Mom, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and a title she wore with pride. She was a strict mom, but a great one. She loved playing Jonathan’s favorite game, which he named, “50 Questions.” Lisa loved to know everything and would get to the bottom of anything she had questions about – it was in her nature. Aside from being a Stay-At-Home Mom, Lisa also managed several small businesses.
Lisa approached her leisure time as she approached her life – with passion. Lisa loved to decorate homes, always finding new décor for her home in Happy Valley, Oregon; she loved to sew, making all of her children’s Halloween costumes when they were younger; loved to bead, creating entertaining pieces as part of her small company, BeaDelicious; and loved to entertain people. Lisa liked being involved in a variety of activities including the PTA, Team Mom for her kids’ various sports teams and in her church. She had a desire to uphold traditions and created many wonderful memories with her family.
Known as a die-hard Beaver fan, Lisa wasn’t shy about her enthusiasm for Oregon State, her disdain for the Oregon Ducks, and often wore the school colors (orange and black) year-round. Lisa’s passions ran deep and she regularly said that orange and black ran through her veins. She had pictures with most of the football team, head coaches, the Athletic Director and even the President of the University. She was also on national TV contesting for the best fan cheer in the nation. A born organizer, Lisa’s tailgates were the place to be on game-day. Everyone was welcome, no one left thirsty, hungry or without feeling Lisa’s spirit and warmth.
When it came to travelling, Lisa was an adventurer. Always up for something new, Lisa and her family travelled the globe. Her favorite vacations included France, Italy, the Caribbean, Mexico, and numerous ski trips to Utah, Colorado, Montana and Canada.
Lisa was also a lover of animals, and had a special place in her heart for Junior & Moses, her Beagles she affectionately called “The Boys.”
Faith was important to Lisa and she never faltered in her beliefs. Raised as a Lutheran since birth, Lisa raised her own family in the Lutheran faith. Involved in youth programming, Lisa assisted in planning Vacation Bible School and was on the board of education at Christ the Vine Lutheran Church. She was a well-loved active member of her congregation.
After a courageous and spirited 14-year battle with breast cancer, she died on August 2, 2010 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. She is survived by her husband Stan, her children Rebecca and Jonathan, her mother Lois Paul, and her brother Scott Paul. Preceded in death by her father Clifford Paul, and her sister Lori Wisbeck. If you would like to honor Lisa, please make a donation to the Church she loved, Christ the Vine Lutheran Church. Lisa was laid to rest at Lincoln Memorial Park.
All who knew Lisa would agree that she was a feisty courageous woman. She lived life to its fullest with passion, tenacity and fight. She loved her husband, she loved her kids, she loved her family, and she loved her friends. Lisa Marie Watters was a true inspiration to all those around her. She was a very special and remarkable person.
Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.
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