Lisa Schutz

Lisa Freeman Schutz passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mary Ann Freeman.

Lisa is survived by her three children: her son Brandon Michael Schutz (37) and his wife, Fiona Marie Blanchette-Schutz (34); daughter Amy Marie Olson (34); and daughter Monica Ann Smiedala and her husband, John Smiedala (37). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Owen Olson (2), John Smiedala (1), and Landen Robinson (9). She is also survived by her brothers Theodore Freeman, Scott Freeman, Ken Freeman, and her sister Sandra Wozniack, along with many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and former students whose lives she deeply impacted.

Lisa earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from Mississippi University for Women in 1982. She later pursued her passion for education, earning a master’s degree in education in 2010 and an ABD in education in 2012 from Grand Canyon University.

Her professional life was a testament to her calling. Lisa dedicated her career to education, beginning as a teacher at Zellwood Elementary School in Orange County, Florida, and later serving as a teacher and administrator at Triangle Elementary School in Lake County, Florida. Her leadership journey continued in Texas, where she served as Dean of Instruction at KIPP Aspire Academy in San Antonio, Director of Student Services for KIPP San Antonio, Director of Student Services and Superintendent of Somerset Academies of Texas, Superintendent of Legacy Traditional Schools in Texas, and later as a teacher with Fusion Education Group. In every role, she championed students, supported teachers, and worked tirelessly to create schools where children could thrive.

Lisa will be remembered for her kindness, patience, and deep selflessness. She had a rare ability to make a room brighter simply by walking into it. Through her actions and examples, she inspired others to do better and be better. As a mother, she was steady, warm, and always present — ready with advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear. As an educator, she took a genuine interest in her students’ lives, working to make learning meaningful and to open doors of opportunity for every child she served.

Outside of her work, Lisa found joy in reading, English history, and true crime. She loved reality television — especially Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race — and period dramas such as Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, and Bridgerton. She cherished time at the beach and treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and family. She was rarely far from her beloved canine companion, Fergus.

Above all, Lisa’s love was unwavering. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the students she guided, and the countless lives she touched with her compassion and strength. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Lisa has requested that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to a local library of your choice.