Lisa Anne Mitchell's Obituary
Lisa Anne Mitchell, 59, of Baldwinsville, NY passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Syracuse, N.Y. on November 2, 1965. She was the daughter of the late Leland Sanford Mitchell and Florence Dwyer Mitchell.
Lisa was predeceased by her brother, Mark S. Mitchell. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Jeffrey Owens; sister, Judy (Stephen) Dieso, Kansas City, MO; brothers, Charles (Nelly) Mitchell, Portland, OR, Michael (Cathy) Mitchell, Heathrow, FL, Brian (Patricia) Mitchell, Baldwinsville; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Mitchell, North Syracuse, and Carol Quist (John), brothers-in-law, Dave Owens (Vicki), Tom Owens (Kathy), Jim Owens, and John Owens (Dena), North Syracuse, many nieces and nephews and Jack, her therapy dog.
She was a graduate of SUNY Cortland and Syracuse University (Utica College). She also lived and studied abroad in Spain and Mexico. Lisa was an Occupational Therapist and more so an advocate for many of the voiceless she met. She was employed by numerous institutions including schools, hospitals and nursing homes. She also owned a business providing elder care.
While fighting her own battle with cancer, Lisa became an ambassador and strong advocate for individuals and families enduring various health crises, most especially those with cholangiocarcinoma, a very rare form of cancer. She did extensive research and endured multiple trial medications, then shared her knowledge with individuals, families and the healthcare community. She was asked to speak at medical symposiums and invited to Washington to share her story with Congress. There were times when Lisa could be seen speaking on the phone with someone in crisis while receiving her own therapy. She did this until she could no longer. She was determined to make a difference, and she did!
Lisa had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. She spent time in Mexico, Central America, Australia and most of Europe. She visited most of the US and revisited a couple favorites including Glacier National Park in Montana and dozens of visits to Cape Cod, MA. When she wasn’t out enjoying and celebrating the diversity of people, cultures and natural beauty in our country and world she and her husband Jeff escaped to their cottage in Northern NY. Like many people, Lisa found solace by the water, in the mountains and next to a crackling fire…she loved a nice fire!
In the true spirit of her Irish heritage, Lisa never missed an opportunity to share a story, most of which were humorous and oftentimes at her own expense. It usually began, “Long story short…” and anyone that knew Lisa knew that you should settle in and make yourself comfortable because it was always anything but short.
Lisa was a charismatic woman who surrounded herself with incredible human beings representing all walks of life that exemplify the best of humankind. Their commonalities of kindness, compassion and of course humor were their bond.
Many thanks to the medical professionals, family, friends and neighbors, most especially those that shared endless love, compassion and time in their frequent support for Lisa on the most challenging aspect of her journey through life. It was through their efforts and Lisa’s hope, perseverance, courage, resilience and incredible sense of humor that she was able to add time to her beautiful meaningful life.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A funeral service in celebration of Lisa’s life will take place at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by entombment in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, DeWitt, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lisa’s memory to: cholangiocarcinomafoundation.org or hospicecny.org.
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