Lisa Marie Neville

On a beautiful sunny day in May 1971, a sweet baby girl was born. Her mommy, Monica called her Lisa Marie. She was cute as a little button and soon smiled and crinkled her brow as she studied everyone who came within her view. During her baby years she lived with her Mom, Grandma and Grandpa Watts and her Uncle Steve. Here on Grandma and Grandpa's farm there were a couple of dogs, plenty of cats, some motorcycles to ride and lots of trails to walk in the bush around their home. Lisa loved daily walks with the dogs and motorcycle rides with Uncle Steve that were much to Grandma's displeasure. Grandma and Lisa were very close and Lisa always thought that she had two mommy's, one mommy who went to work and the other who just stayed home and played with her and took her swimming and bowling.

Lisa was just six years old when her Mom married Ken and she moved into a new home on acreage in South Surrey. Lisa started grade one at Grandview Heights Elementary and soon made friends with Kathy who became her life long friend. The back pasture behind Lisa's new home had a barn that soon became the home of her first pony Dolly. Lisa joined Pony Club and so began her love of horses that lasted her lifetime. Soon after, Lisa's home began to be filled with her new sisters. First , Larissa, when Lisa was nine, then Laura and lastly Lavonne when Lisa was thirteen. Lisa, with her immense kindness and caring became a second mother to Larissa and then with the experience gained, to Laura and Lavonne as well. This experience was invaluable when she had her own son Tristan who she loved so dearly and dedicated herself to.

In elementary school Lisa excelled in art and although she was a quiet girl she had a talent for public speaking. She won the Grandview Heights Elementary School public speaking competition and then went on to tie for first place in the Surrey School District. She then continued on to win the Earl Marriott Senior Secondary School public speaking competition. Lisa in her quiet way also competed for many years with her horses Torro, Charlie, and finally Jason traveling to Pony Club Events and other equestrian competitions. She learned to ride both Western and English and competed in dressage, cross-country and jumping, winning too may trophies to count. She also was a Rodeo Princess riding her horse in the Rodeo Parade in Cloverdale.

Lisa's love of the water, which Grandma fostered early in her life continued during her teenage years as she obtained her lifeguard certificate and became a competent diver. Lisa was also a Brownie, a Girl Guide, a Pathfinder and a Ranger succeeding in being awarded the Canada Cord, the highest honor in guiding, which only a very few girls had achieved. She also had the honor of shaking the hand of Prince Charles and Princess Diana when they visited Vancouver. Little known to most, Lisa's musical instrument of choice was the trombone which she began to play in grade seven. This continued through high school at Earl Marriott and the whole family enjoyed many hours of listening to her practice.

After high school, Lisa studied Criminology at Kwantlen College. She had thought that she might become a police officer. After Kwantlen she trained as a legal secretary. During this time she was very concerned with women's rights and volunteered her time assisting women who were suffering from abuse. Over the years Lisa tried out a number of jobs but found her calling in accounting, working with her Mom and Dad in Public Practice. Lisa was the problem solver in the office fixing computer program problems and assisting clients with their computer programs and as a result she built many strong relationships.

Lisa met Greg and they made a home together with their new little baby boy, Tristan William. From the moment she held her baby Tristan in her arms he was her life and he truly completed her. Lisa was most of all a special mother to Tristan whom she loved with all her heart and soul.

Lisa, Larissa, Laura and Lavonne became more than sisters as they all grew up, they became good friends and companions. Lisa's true friend Kathy continued to be a big part of her life as did her best friend Becky who she met when Tristan was born. Lisa's sister-in-law, Sandra became a huge support to her during these last few years.

Lisa passed away peacefully on March 13, 2009 in Surrey Memorial Hospital with her friends and family. She is survived by her husband Greg and very beloved son Tristan. A memorial service was held at First United Church in White Rock on March 18, 2009 and the church was filled with those whose lives she touched.

Lisa was beautiful both inside and out, a quiet, strong, nurturing, caring woman always helping those she knew and loved, never expecting anything in return.We all benefited and appreciated her insights into human nature and often sought her out for her advice.

Lisa leaves behind a legacy of life long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember her.

We have all been blessed to have Lisa as our beautiful daughter, our caring sister, a loving wife, a very special mother and a true friend to all.

You are our angel in heaven. We miss you every day.