Liisa Marie Pappin

Liisa Marie Pappin—mother, grandmother, friend to many, and longtime public servant—passed on August 26, 2024, but her laughter lives on. Liisa died at her home in the arms of her daughter after keeping cancer at bay for four years. Liisa is survived by her: two children and their spouses, Taryn Moore (Gary Moore) and Seth Stevens (Sarah Diess); grandchildren Niko, Jackson, Poppy, Jameson, Westin, and Audrey; as well as siblings Arnita Ann (Frank Meyer), William Zeimantz, Robert Zeimants, Donald Zeimantz, Melinda Zeimantz, Wendy Zeimantz. Nieces and nephews;Saundra, Ted, Susanne, Jacob, Britney, Francis, William)

Liisa was preceded in death by her husband Michael Pappin (June 12,1955-March 21,2024), her nephew Benjamin, and her parents.

Liisa Marie Pappin, long time HR director of Central School District 13j died at her home in the loving arms of her daughter, after a 4 year long battle with cancer. Her last years were spent surrounded by adoring family and cherished friends. Born September 20th 1956 in Los Angeles,

California to Robert and Helen Zeimantz. She was 3 of 7 siblings.

Liisa graduated from LA Cholla high school in Tucson, Arizona, in 1974. Not long after graduation she moved with her sister and brother-in-law; stationed in Las Vegas Nevada. There she met and married Bruce Stevens, a dapper young airman. Later the father of their 2

children Taryn and Seth. With Taryn in tow and the intention of using the GI bill for college, the young family traveled to Albany Oregon, where they welcomed Seth. Liisa began her 4 decades long career in education in 1985; volunteering at M.E.S where her children attend and soon

landed the receptionist position at Central school district 13j offices. Liisa retired in December of 2022.

Liisa cultivated lifelong friendships and a sisterhood during her tenure at the district(s). There was a core group of women that became aunties to her children and sisters in arms in a battle for transparency, sustainability and consistency for meeting the needs and services of those devoted to educating our future.

Entering the workforce in the 80’s; a single woman with children in the 1990s, Liisa’s work ethic was rarely matched except by her D.O. sisters which meant the D.O. kids were sleeping in the boardroom and the packets were out on time. What people remember the most about Liisa is her laugh. She loved to laugh and share in laughter. The family invites everyone to share their joyful moments by submitting a story and or photo of a time you “ Laughed with Liisa” to [email protected] .

Well liked and respected by all. Liisa was the type of leader, collaborator and negotiator that earned the trust and respect of her counterparts. Even when seemingly at odds with them. Liisa regularly received gifts of celebration and thank yous upon closing negotiations from both sides.

This speaks not only to her character but to those of her contemporaries.

When Liisa began her career at the school district, computers were a novelty in the office space and unheard of in the home.Liisa made it her business to become an expert in computers and digitization. She used her sharp mind, curiosity and ingenuity for the benefit of the Districts’ integration, automation and optimization. To bring Central School District 13j and later Santiam School District 24j; its personnel systems and processes into the digital age.

Liisa was a fierce competitor and a lover of sports and herself as a softball player, was a physical phenom. Liisa was a devoted mother and is remembered as coach, costume designer, makeup artist, seamstress and party planner. There was nothing that she wouldn’t do for her children and grandchildren. Liisa retired officially in December of 2022 after nearly 40 years in human resources and education.

She met the love of her life in Michael Pappin while playing pickup volleyball at Henry Hill Elementary. They married in a small backyard ceremony 20 years into “dating”. Liisa was a devoted grandmother and loved attending their sporting events and could be heard on either side of the field cheering for them.

The loss of Liisa is deeply felt by many and her family welcomes the opportunity to celebrate her life with you. We understand that Liisa was a thousand people for thousands of people. We desire to hear about all of her; to share and enjoy her life as much as we can.

Join us Saturday September 21st at 11am, Central High School Gym, open to all to love her.

In lieu of flowers please send a memory or donation to The Panther Club or a non-profit of your choice.