Lisa was instrumental in my identity as a psychologist. 

As a young petite woman working as a psychologist with combat veterans while on my internship at the VA, I was self-conscious and I lacked confidence early in my professional career.  Thank God sweet Lis came along, petite and blond like me, and in so many ways she thought and felt like me too. She was an answer to my prayers for a psychologist around my age, who had a genuine kind heart, a great sense of humor, and a desire to be my friend. She reminded me who I am at a time when I really needed to know it was ok to be me. I let her confidence sustain me and help me build my own. 
Lis, I so longed to share with you the worst of my professional career that I endured this past year, and I really believed you would be well enough very soon and I would share it all with you over a cup of tea. I know you would ground me once again with your keen observations, your in- depth emotional understanding, and your incredible knack for quickly grasping the nuances and connecting compassionately with the subtle unspoken aspects of the human experience. I’ve never met anyone who could do that emotionally intelligent psychological analysis quite like you. 
I so longed to share with you, especially as I came to love and cherish you more than ever when I realized what a rare gem you truly are.  I was faced with the harsh realities of this cruel world on a whole new level this past year, and your friendship is a beacon of hope.  You remind me that there are still genuine pure hearts in this world, and you encourage me to keep shining our light. You are one of a kind, Lis. I hope you know how much I love you. I miss you, beautiful friend.

I will always remember the tea party that she hosted 6 summers ago. Mary Claire, Liz, Gigi and myself sat out on the porch with her. It was a beautiful, peaceful summer day. Thank you, Lisa. When I see a beautiful teacup, I will think of you and your sweet smile. Hold on to the sweet memories, Thomas. She was SO in love with you and you were an exemplary caregiver.

Love, Aunt Linda Lamoreaux

My Beautiful Friend Lis: Part 2
•	Lis was a born psychologist; she cared deeply about people and was genuinely non-judgmental and accepting.  She was an excellent listener and she knew how to validate the nuances of emotional experience on a level perhaps better than anyone I have ever met.  She was incredibly intuitive.  She was highly skilled at hearing the unspoken.  I always knew that I would leave a conversation with her enlightened, with deeper understanding and insight.  I know we both felt very fulfilled in our visits together, which we cherished so much.  I had so much more I had wanted to share with her.  I had so much more I wanted to learn from her.  I had so much more life I wanted to do with her, together, through all the ups and downs.
•	Lis was incredibly generous and giving.  Nothing made her happier than to do things for others.  She loved having me over for tea parties and giving me such thoughtful gifts for my birthdays. She was an excellent cook and loved getting dressed up and enjoying her beautiful tea sets.  My lovely friend had such passion for life.
•	I always thought we would have more time, so much more time.  I was always hopeful that her health would turn around.  I had my parents praying for her every day.  
•	Lis and I were, and remain, friends for life.  She is one of a kind and so special to me.  She will always live in my memories and heart.  She changed me for the better, in so many countless ways, probably more than I even know.  I know she lives on and I will see her again someday.

My Beautiful Friend Lis

•	I remember a joke we shared when we worked together at the VA. I would call her office phone and not say a word, just laugh hysterically. She told me how one time when I did that she struggled to not bust out laughing, as her supervisor was in the room at the time!
•	I remember when she had the big orange cat Murrey, thinking how adorable Lis looked sitting on the arm of her couch holding him tight, saying, “He makes me happy!”
•	Every time we visited, no matter how much time had passed, we picked up right where we left off and felt more connected than ever.  We would talk for hours and hours as we had so much in common.  If we had more time, we were sure we would solve all the world’s problems!
•	I remember her laugh.   It was truly one-of-a-kind, delightful and melodic.  I have never heard another laugh like hers.  It was very lovely.
•	I remember her intelligence.  She saw things from multiple angles and had great skill in perspective. She was highly reflective, keenly perceptive, and deeply compassionate.
•	I remember her resilience, how hard she fought to stay strong throughout her health ordeals.  She told me once of an approach that helped her; rather than worrying about the “what ifs” about the future, she came to accept “I don’t know.”  To rest in that kind of uncertainty, even for a moment, in the midst of such struggle and pain is truly courageous and admirable.  I strive to have that admirable strength during the unknowns of life.
•	I remember her every day as I get dressed, as most of my clothes were once hers.  We were the same size and when she could no longer work she gave me her beautiful work clothes.  She had excellent style.

One More Cup of Tea

If we could share one more cup of tea,
Lis, I would tell you the beauty I see
Your light shines, both inside and out,
No matter what we talked about

If we could have one more cup of tea,
I would thank you for your sweet company.
Your lovely heart, so kind and so true,
Has always blessed me to view.

If we could have one more cup of tea,
I would tell you how much you matter to me.
To many lives, you brought such a glow
Far more than you could ever know.

If we could share one more cup of tea,
I would tell you how much joy you give to me.
Your smile, your light, your laugh like a chime,
Bring warmth to my heart for all of time.

Oh, how I wish for one more cup of tea,
To marvel on how many things we agree.
To tell you, Lis, how you brighten my day,
And together remember to cast our cares away.

But I know that you are up above smiling at me
You-and that cup of tea-are waiting patiently.
Until that sweet day, I will speak of your name,
And by holding my friends closer, I will honor your flame.

For now, I make time for more cups of tea,
To share with my friends who are dear to me.
I will speak of your kindness and your loving, pure heart,
And carry your warmth until I depart

Someday I will join you, my dear, sweet Lis, 
Where there are no tears, death, or pain -just peace
Someday I will join you, in eternity free,
And together we will share that sweet cup of tea.

OBITUARY

Lisa Rae Mitchell

September 19, 1974 – June 24, 2025

Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia

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