Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi Santa Cruz, California Obituary

Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi

Just after sunset on December 31, 2020, Anneliese “Lisa” Gervasi passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren. Lisa was a spectacular wife, magnificent mother, and extraordinary grandmother. She was born in Bad Ischl, Austria in 1946 and moved with her parents to the United States when she was a toddler. After spending a short time in Boston and New York, they moved to Los Angeles, California, which became their permanent home. Lisa’s parents, Helen and Joe Weinberg instilled in her a love of travel, languages, culture, and education. She traveled the world extensively from a young age, and developed deep and meaningful friendships across the globe. She was a student at Villa Cabrini elementary school, St. Brendan Elementary, and Van Nuys High. After high school, Lisa attended University of California Los Angeles and Cal State University Hayward, studying early childhood education and becoming a credentialed teacher. Lisa spent her career educating, inspiring and mentoring children. She had a gift for teaching, and impacted so many lives for decades. She taught at schools including Holy Angels in Arcadia, Beverly Hills Catholic Elementary, and Hudnall Elementary in Inglewood. She also spent seventeen years as director of Beverly Hills Presbyterian Nursery School. In college, she met the love of her life, David Gervasi. They were married in 1970 at St. Brendan Church in Los Angeles, California. David and Lisa had two girls, Jennifer and Julia who were the light of their lives. Lisa and David shared their love of traveling and adventure with their children and grandchildren, visiting Europe, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Asia, the Caribbean, and North America. For 45 years, they spent each summer on Catalina Island, and created wonderful memories with four generations of family and friends. In 2017, Lisa and David moved to Capitola, California to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They loved the beach, their yoga and exercise classes, the community, and especially having the time with family. Lisa was loved by so many and is survived by her adoring husband, David, her daughters, Jennifer Nelson and Julia Rodriguez, sons-in-law, Robert Nelson and Juan Rodriguez and six grandchildren: Gabriela, Marco and Alexandra Rodriguez and Elizabeth, Katie and Bobby Nelson. Lisa had a thousand gifts, her vivacious spirit of fun and laughter made her a magnet to everyone who knew her. A celebration of life will be held in late summer or early fall 2021 on Catalina Island. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society. SERVICES FOR LISA GERVASI A celebration of life will be held in late summer or early fall 2021 on Catalina Island. During this time of COVID-19, you can still show your support by planting a tree in memory of Lisa Gervasi or donating to the American Cancer Society.
April 28, 1946 - December 31, 202004/28/194612/31/2020
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39 trees planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi.
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Tribute Store
January 26, 2021
In memory of my dear friend, Lisa, and the wonderful times we shared!
3 trees were planted in memory of
Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi
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Katie and Peter Gielniak
January 13, 2021
Lisa, thank you for touching the lives of so many and making those you met feel like they could do anything they dreamed. Your magic lives on.
25 trees were planted in memory of
Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi
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The Pirie Family
January 13, 2021
Lisa touched each member of our family and we were so fortunate to have known her. Her love was infectious.
5 trees were planted in memory of
Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi
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Amanda McColl Nugent
February 22, 2021
I feel so fortunate to know and love your family. What a difference in people's lives you have made Lisa, and what an amazing family you have raised.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi. Plant a tree

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Stephanie Golino and All
January 26, 2021
Lisa, your bright spirit will always be missed. Our warmest condolences to David and family from the Mid-County Senior Fitness group.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi. Plant a tree

A
Allison O'Meara
January 17, 2021
May your light, love, and laughter live on for eternity.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi. Plant a tree

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Suzi Mahler
January 16, 2021
In memory of Lisa who touched so many lives with her inspiration and love for life.

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi. Plant a tree

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The Griffin Family
January 15, 2021

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi. Plant a tree

A
Allie Rodríguez
January 14, 2021
Lit a candle in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi
A candle was posted for Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi.
A candle was posted for Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi.
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Bobby Nelson
January 13, 2021
Lit a candle in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi
A candle was posted for Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi.
A candle was posted for Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi.
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The Cohen Family
January 13, 2021
With love and hugs,

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Anneliese "Lisa" Gervasi. Plant a tree