Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home

Ristau, Lisa Michele

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Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home
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Lisa Michele Ristau 

October 3, 1973 – January 18, 2025 

You are reading about me in the obituaries, which means I have lost my fight against metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is when the cancer spreads beyond the breast to another part of the body such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain. Please check your breasts and be aware of any changes that you may see or feel. 

I have left behind my loving and much loved husband, Derek and my three amazing, smart, funny and fantastic children, Ella, Tatum and Boden. I also leave the best dad ever, John Heffern, my funny and wonderful (in his own way), brother Todd Heffern, my sister-in-law Mary Theresa Heffern, and my two sweet nephews, Patrick and Andrew. I was very fortunate to have had very supportive in-laws, Ed and Jeanne Ristau and my very dear brother and sister in law, Matt and Gloria Ristau. There are three special women that I must mention, whom without their love and support, I would have lost my mind, Lauren Paulson, Shelly Harbert and Lisa Ward. Thank you to all of my friends and family that helped me and our family throughout this journey, I am forever grateful. At this time, you must pull all of your love and support together to help Derek and the kids get through this difficult time. Please check in on them for me and make sure that they are doing ok. If you are able to miss people where I am now, I know I am missing each and every person that has touched my life. 

Please write your favorite memory about me in the journal that I left Derek. That way the kids have those memories to read when they are missing me. When you smell the fresh air and see the wind blowing the trees, think of me and smile. I loved my family deeply and with all I had, it just wasn’t enough to beat cancer. Life is too short to waste on petty stuff, love, live and savor those small moments, they truly are the things that matter The family met so many wonderful people throughout this journey, far too many to list. We would like to specifically thank the staff and volunteers from Pluta Cancer Center in Rochester, NY, the UR Medicine Finger Lakes/Ontario County Hospice team in Geneva, NY and the Lighthill Home in Canandaigua, NY for their end of life care. We would not have made it through these difficult times without their unwavering support, expertise and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these amazing organizations that all touched Lisa throughout her incredible fight. lighthillhome.org; metavivor.org; www.urmc.rochester.edu/home-care/hospice-care/donations

Calling Hours Friday January 31, 2025 3-7PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Village Location) 41 South Main Street, Fairport. Funeral Service Saturday February 1, 2025 2PM at Fairport United Methodist Church 31 West Church Street, Fairport.

Comments

12 responses to “Ristau, Lisa Michele”

  1. Patricia Gianforti Avatar
    Patricia Gianforti

    To Dereck and the children, I want to extend my deepest sympathy. You had one of the most wonderful woman in your life that I have ever met!!! She possessed every adjective I can think of , of being very special. Remember that she is gone physically but she is always there with you spiritually. She definitely is in haven!!!
    My condolences and love to all of you.
    Patricia Gianforti

    Reply
  2. AJ Avatar
    AJ

    To Tate and Family, I hope you all can find peace and happiness even when everything feels heavy. RIP <3

    Reply
  3. Beth and Phil Rupp Avatar
    Beth and Phil Rupp

    Sending Derek and the kids so much love and Lisa thank you for letting us love you and know you and fir always being a beakon of light and love and unending strength.

    Reply
  4. Kiersten Ryndak Avatar
    Kiersten Ryndak

    Derek, Ella, Tatum and Biden~
    No doubt your hearts are heavy because you loved as hard as she loved you. May peace and comfort be yours today and the days ahead. It is a journey, for sure, so allow the emotions come and go and know that she is never far away.
    God’s peace and love,
    Larry and Kiersten Ryndak

    Reply
  5. JOJO ROLLAND Avatar
    JOJO ROLLAND

    To All of you.. I met Lisa at Crestmanor. She always had a smile on her face that would light up the room. To Derick She talked often about you being such a great father and husband. To the children .. the love your mother for each of You . She often talked and expressed about how wonderful you are and was blessed with blessing of 3. As you go thru your lifel APjoways remember the love she had for you all. She was a very special lady .. she’s with the angels now and entering eternal peace. She will be with you always . May God bless all of you .. Lisa … Love you my friend

    Reply
  6. Carrie McClellan Vandermark Avatar
    Carrie McClellan Vandermark

    Lisa was such a sweet person. I will never forget Lisa and Todd as their babysitter. Lisa would always come over (from 3 years up), come to the side door (as we were neighbors) and say, “Is Carrie here? Do you have any cookies?) with that sweet little voice, and heart that made you melt. Marie always knew where to find her as she snuck out the door. Cherished memories. To the Family and Friends she leaves behind, May God give you Strength and May your own special Memories of Lisa’s love, fight and devotion carry you through. God Bless.

    Reply
  7. Laurie Warnett Avatar
    Laurie Warnett

    Dear Ella, Tate, Bo and Derek,
    I will always remember our camping weekends with a smile. We made some wonderful memories. Your Mom was a wonderful soul who loved life and nature and all of you with her whole heart. She will be dearly missed. My prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
    Fondly,
    Laurie Warnett

    Reply
  8. Kara Womer Avatar
    Kara Womer

    I have very fond memories of my teenage years with Lisa! Our mothers worked together and that eventually led us to working together for the summer. I remember after my first or second date with my now husband, going into to work and telling Lisa all about how I was going to marry that guy! (We’ve now been married 28 years). Lisa reminded me of that story the last time I saw her which was far too long ago. Lisa was always so kind and treated me like a true friend, even though she was slightly older and much cooler than I could have dreamed to be! She was a true role model to me and I looked up to her. I’m am so deeply sorry to all who knew her and had to privilege to love her. My heart truly hurts!

    Reply
  9. Janice Dickinson Avatar
    Janice Dickinson

    I met Lisa when I started taking care of her dad John. He was still at home then. She said to me, when I first met you, I knew you were a kind woman, and I told her that was exactly what I thought of you. She was a sweet daughter to her dad and shared with me many memories of him. I immediately upon meeting her knew she was special. I am very grateful that I got to meet and know her. Prayers for her husband, children, family and friends. Lisa was a strong, loving, sweet lady.

    Reply
  10. Mark Distler Avatar
    Mark Distler

    Derek
    This obituary is so her. So personal. She always took time to appreciate everyone around her. She knew how important the little things were. And that’s why we all love and respected her and your family.

    Reply
  11. Lynn Cole Avatar
    Lynn Cole

    I met Lisa when she… and Derek worked at Presby in Oil City Pa. I watched them fall in love and eventually marry… and have their 3 kids. Lisa’s family was her world. Everytime I spoke with her she talked so lovingly about them all. I know she tried so hard to live… to live for them. She sent me a text a few months ago telling me that her time was nearly over and how worried she was about her kids and Derek but knew Derek would be the great dad he always had been. However, she just wanted to be their mom….
    I will miss Lisa forever and love her tenacity for life.
    XO

    Reply
  12. Deb Mackowski Avatar
    Deb Mackowski

    Derek,
    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Lisa’s tribute was so beautifully written and her love for you all is felt. Thinking of you and your family.

    Reply

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