Lisa M Paternoster

Lisa was born in Camden, NJ to Arthur and Carole (Saunders) Szcykalski on 6/6/71. Lisa resided in Maple Shade, NJ where she attended elementary school and graduated from Maple Shade High School. During High School, Lisa worked for McDonalds and loved it. They sponsored her for a beauty pageant that she placed high in. Her love for McDonalds carried on for the rest of her life. Next, she attended Rutgers University Camden, NJ where she attained a Bachelor's of Science while majoring in Biology. After a few years, Lisa moved to San Antonio, Texas where she worked at the Veteran's Hospital. Nine years later she returned home to be closer to her family and began her career in clinical trials for PPD which in turn led to Actelion Pharmaceuticals where she traveled the world. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Mario Paternoster. They wed in 2013 and Lisa moved to Elizabeth, NJ. Once in Elizabeth, Lisa became Research Manager at Trinitas Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lisa was very instrumental during the Covid-19 Pandemic, helping obtain life saving medications for numerous patients during the crisis. Trinitas was Lisa's final employer. Everyone loved Lisa and she loved everyone. Lisa's door was always open; her colleagues would enter to find their favorite snacks and Keurig coffees that she had for them. Lisa was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone in need and listen to their problems. She enjoyed decorating the offices for birthdays and giving presents to her co-workers. Lisa and Mario resided in Watchung, NJ for the last 11 years. Lisa never forgot her roots and always visited Maple Shade to see her mother where they would attend her favorite church, St. Peter's of Merchantville and see her childhood friends. Lisa was a devout Roman Catholic and who enjoyed watching EWTN, where her faith strengthened watching mass and praying the rosary nightly from Our Lady of Lourdes, in Lourdes, France. Lisa's smile was radiant and she loved her friends dearly.

Lisa enjoyed her early years going to visit her father at Ch.17 Philadelphia, where he was a camera man. She would see young stars on Dancing on Air. Also, visiting her grandparents in Florida and going with her family to their lakehouse. Lisa was an avid animal and fish lover and had numerous pets during her lifetime including her current dog, Arnie. She would not think twice about spending her last dollar to save an animal.

Lisa was predeceased by her father, Arthur, brother Arthur Jr., her loving uncle Samuel "Rich" Saunders. Lisa is survived by her beloved husband Mario, mother Carole, godfather Stanley Kisiel, Arthur Jr.'s partner Cheryl, brother-in-law Joseph, sister-in-law Rosalia and numerous nieces and nephews.

All donations to American Cancer Society and Animal Rescue Foundation.

Visitation will be held at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint Georges Ave, Linden, on Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a funeral on Friday, July 10, 2026, 9:00 am at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will take place at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, Elizabeth, at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Rosehill Cemetery, Linden.