Lisa Jean Rosa, 62, of Oak Harbor, WA, passed peacefully from this life on December 27, 2022, following a brief period of declining health.

Lisa was born on August 17, 1960, to the late John and Glenys Rosa in Melrose, Massachusetts. In her childhood, Lisa was a smart, cute, blond-haired spitfire. She enjoyed playing with her dolls and her dog Sam. She moved to Merrimack, NH when she was twelve years old. After Lisa graduated from Merrimack High School in 1978, she went on to study psychology at UCLA in California.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in psychology, she furthered her education completing a master's degree in clinical psychology at the University of Texas in Austin.

She worked for many years in the mental health field counseling and caring for children, the underprivileged, mentally retarded adults and the elderly.

Lisa was a fun spirited soul and took on many passions. One of which included collecting antique dolls. She loved displaying her dolls. She also loved drinking champagne and would not hesitate to splurge on a good bottle for celebrations. One of her favorite places was the ocean. More specifically, San Francisco Bay. She truly loved California and lived in San Francisco for most of her adult life. She was a California girl!

She was fearless and independent, yet sensitive and incredibly compassionate. Lisa cared deeply for the underprivileged. She was strong-willed and held strong opinions, but those traits defined Lisa. They were part of who she was, her strength undoubtedly helped her deal with her life's challenges. She had a big heart.

She enjoyed spending time playing with her many animals. She found comfort and peace in caring for her beloved pets. They were family to her.

Lisa was predeceased by her parents John and Glenys Rosa and her brother John Rosa. She is survived by her sister Donna Vanderbeek and her nephew Alex Wilkinson and an aunt and uncle from Maine and many cousins from both Maine and Massachusetts.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, WA and her friends Melissa and Blanca who were a wonderful help in her final days.

Lisa is now sailing on a journey to shores we cannot see.

"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean."

A graveside Blessing will be held at Wyoming Cemetery 205 Sylvan St, Melrose, MA on April 29th at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to animal shelters, an organization Lisa felt strongly about.