Lisa Ann Vernaci

Lisa was born on August 12, 1962 to Victor and Linda (maiden name Russell) Vernaci in New Orleans, LA. She attended St. Michael Special School where the Foundress, Sister Lillian McCormack, welcomed Lisa with open arms and nicknamed her “Sweet Pea.” She attended the Joy Center there as well. In her youth, she participated in the Special Olympics and carried the torch with Archie Manning in the opening ceremonies. In 2004, Special Connections, a day program for adults with special needs, opened and provided Lisa with many enriching experiences. She was a model in a fashion show, an artist in an art show, a performer of sign language to music, a line dancer, a bowler, a bingo player, and a party enthusiast. With her family, Lisa enjoyed camping, vacations, babies, pets, watching television (especially sports, wrestling, and soap operas), and holidays. She especially loved her tote bags full of markers, notebooks, and magazines and took them with her everywhere she went. On weekends, she enjoyed attending events with We Care For Special People, Inc. and was always going to play bingo or a party. She loved dancing and music, with her favorite being The Osmonds and was able to meet them on several occasions. She loved everyone and life to the fullest and was a blessing to all who knew her.

Lisa was preceded in death by her loving mother, Linda Ann Russell Vernaci, as well as her doting grandparents, William and Lydia F. Russell and Victor V. and Catherine F. Vernaci.

She is survived by her loving father, Victor J. Vernaci, and her loving sisters, Vicki V. Lee (James), Susan V. Pisciotta (Steven), and Kathi V. Logan (Russell Beall). She was Godmother to Katy Pisciotta-Fowler (Stephen) and aunt to Kyle (Brittany), Alex (Katie), and Michael (Monica) Boudreau, Jeremy and Christopher (Rachel) Lee, and Ashley P. Blakesley (Kyle), Brandon (Maris) and Miranda Logan, and Cameron Beall. Lisa is also survived by her many great-nieces and nephews, as well as the numerous friends she made in all of her adventures.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Tracy Perkins, Precious Carroll, and My Hospice for their exceptional care over Lisa and her mother over the last few years.

The funeral services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers donations are requested to be made to Special Connections, at P.O. Box 640022 Kenner, LA 70064, or at www.specialconnectionsnola.com

The family invites you to share your fondest memories on Lisa’s online guestbook and view her slideshow of a life well lived at www.lakelawnmetairie.com