Lisa Rene Verkamp

Lisa Rene Verkamp, 73, passed away at her home in Lubbock, Texas, on November 4, 2026, in the arms of her husband, Dennis. She was born on July 13, 1953, in San Diego, California, to Fred and Reva Fewin.

Lisa was the mother of two sons, Ryan and Brandon Donahue. She was married to John Michael Donahue until his death in 1982. In November of 2002, Lisa married Dennis Verkamp, and together they made their home in Lubbock. Dennis was her dearest companion for the rest of her life. Throughout her lengthy illness, he cared for her tirelessly and stayed by her side until her final breath.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Dennis Verkamp of Lubbock, Texas. She is also survived by her son Ryan Donahue of Dallas, Texas, and his wife Julie and their children John and Cora. Her son Brandon Donahue of Ropesville, Texas, also survives her along with his wife Katie and their children Augustus, Luke, and Bradley Kate. She is also survived by her sister Teresa McCabe of Lubbock, Texas, and husband Stan, along with their children Carson McCabe, Cassidy Peters, and Kinsey Tolley, as well as Lisa’s sister-in-law Becky Waid and husband Joe.

Among the many dear friends and extended family who will remember Lisa with love are Mike and Debbie Strickland and family, Susan Heinrich, Dr. Michael F. and Loretta Owen, Dean and Wina Church, Lonnie and Terri Ellis, Patrick and Darla Porter, Larry and Margaret Trantham, Tug and Allison Rix, Brad Simnacher, Toni Getz, Coach Bill Nichols, and Martha and D’Anne Harmon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Reva Fewin, her first husband, John Michael Donahue, and her mothers-in-law, Frances Donahue and Valeria Verkamp. She was also preceded in death by her granddaughter Chloe, daughter of Ryan and Julie.

Lisa graduated from Coronado High School in 1971 and from the Lubbock School of Vocational Nursing in 1973, where she met lifelong friend Debbie Strickland. In the mid-1980s, Lisa worked at Reese Federal Credit Union, where she and Susan Heinrich became dear friends for life. During those years, she also owned and operated Confetti and SophistiKids.

From 1986 to 2017, Lisa worked as a licensed vocational nurse in the OB/GYN practice of Dr. Michael F. Owen, alongside her dear friend Debbie. Over the years, the people in Dr. Owen’s office became like family to her. Dr. Owen understood how much it meant to Lisa to be there for Ryan and Brandon and supported her as she raised them on her own. No matter how busy life got, Lisa never missed an event in her boys’ lives.

During those years, lunch at Fred and Reva’s became a weekday tradition. Lisa and her cherished sister Teresa would stop by their parents’ home each workday to eat together and catch up on what was going on in their children’s lives. Whenever the kids could make it, they’d pull up a chair too. There was an incredible amount of love around that table, and she loved sharing about her boys while staying current with the lives of her beloved nieces and nephew.

Lisa’s Catholic faith was also an important part of her life. She was a devoted member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lubbock since the early 2000s. On November 15, 2002, Monsignor Gene Driscoll blessed her marriage to Dennis. Together, they shared a deep Catholic faith that was central to the life they built together.

Lisa and Dennis loved all things Texas Tech, especially Red Raider athletics. They rarely missed a game and were happy to hit the road to cheer on Tech. They might have even been known to move Red Raider gear in front of the Longhorn merchandise at department stores. When friends and family came to Lubbock for a game, Lisa loved opening her home to them for a stay, and she operated it like her own Red Raider bed and breakfast.

The pair also enjoyed dancing with the Merry Go Round Dance Club, where Lisa served as treasurer for a time. They loved taking spur-of-the-moment trips together, whether there was a game to get to or they just wanted some time away with each other.

Lisa and Dennis rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Red Raiders, but for Lisa, the best seat in the stands was wherever she could watch her grandkids play. Being their “Nali” was her greatest joy and what she was proudest of. Each of her six grandchildren held their own unique place in her heart,and she was eternally grateful to Julie and Katie for giving her that joy. Whenever their parents needed someone to watch the kids, Nali never passed up the chance to have them to herself.

Even on days when she wasn’t feeling the greatest, Nali rarely missed one of Gus or Luke’s games. She also cherished her time with Bradley Kate, whom she affectionately dubbed “The Boss.” She looked forward to her Sunday FaceTime calls with John and Cora, and even more to their visits. When she knew they were coming, she would get the house ready well ahead of time, as she knew that her home was crucial to creating profound and fond memories for all her grandchildren. Her family takes comfort in knowing that Nali is now reunited with her precious Chloe in Heaven.

Family was Lisa’s whole heart, and those who knew her saw it in the way she showed up for the people she loved. She was quick to lend a hand, scoop up a baby, or offer some straight advice. She had a way of putting herself in someone else’s shoes while telling them exactly what she thought. If you asked for her advice, she might say, “Do you really want to know my opinion?” That usually brought up a laugh, and sometimes a quick “Maybe not?!” Her honesty was part of her charm, and the people who loved her knew that there was a great deal of tenderness behind that honesty.

Lisa’s greatest celebrations were for the accomplishment of others. She took such joy in seeing the people she loved do well, and she made sure they knew how proud she was. Those who knew Lisa will remember how wholeheartedly she cheered them on. They’ll miss her hugs, her familiar sayings, and the comfort of knowing she’d be there when they needed her. Her family thanks God for the years they had with her and will carry her love with them for the rest of their lives.

Services for Lisa will be held on Tuesday, November 10th, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 9821 Frankford Avenue in Lubbock, Texas, 79424. The Rosary and prayers will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. After Mass, Lisa’s urn will be placed in the church’s columbarium. Family and friends are invited to stay for lunch at the church following the committal.