Lisa Lorraine Nelson

Lisa Lorraine Nelson, our cherished daughter, sister, niece, cousin, kitty-momma, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes in Utah on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Born on March 13, 1973, in Millington, Tennessee, Lisa arrived two months premature alongside her twin, Britta. Her father, Joseph Robert, was serving in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) of the U.S. Navy, while her mother, Cheryl Marie Benike Nelson, was busy caring for their energetic 2 1/2-year-old, Juliet Marie. Thankfully, incubators had been invented to help the twins through this early start! Soon after, the family moved to Southern California, where they spent the next 18 years in Del Mar, Woodland Hills, Agoura, and Pacific Palisades. Since Lisa loved the beach and mountains, she then lived between California, Sun Valley, Idaho, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Lisa was affectionately nicknamed “Zipper” or “Zip” for her energetic, part crawl, part zip around the room as a toddler. In elementary school, she was recognized as the “Ray of Sunshine” for her smile and the positive energy she brought to those around her.

Lisa always loved music and singing loudly, whether it was Whitney Houston, Broadway tunes, or Christian rock. Lisa loved reading true crime novels, and the Bible, and passionately followed missing person stories. Lisa’s laughter was as big as her smile, both of which were eclipsed by the size of her heart. Lisa supported others even when she had little to give, always acknowledging even the smallest successes in those around her.

Lisa graduated summa cum laude from the University of Utah with a BS degree in Psychology. She worked as a Research Consultant for the Huntsman Cancer Institute and as a Paralegal at Vancott Bagley Cornwall and McCarthy. In California, she served as the House Manager at an addiction treatment home, applying her heart and personal experience to support the residents. Her smile and vibrant energy were evident in her high school jobs at Baskin Robbins and Ben & Jerry’s, and later as a restaurant server and retail associate.

Lisa faced personal challenges with remarkable courage and determination. Despite her struggles, she sought to bring joy to others, and counted her family, friends, and beloved cats as her greatest blessings.

In 2018, inspired by her sadness over the death of chef Anthony Bourdain, Lisa prayed to know of God’s existence. She felt God's presence unequivocally and was soon baptized into a non-denominational Christian church on Sunday, July 22, 2018, in Southern California. From that day forward, her faith profoundly transformed her life.

Lisa leaves behind her cherished cat, Trio—originally named Trinity for her love of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit—her parents, Bob and Cheryl Nelson, her sister Juliet, and twin Britta, nephews Taggart, Beckham, and Dawson, and many other beloved family members and friends. One of Lisa’s favorite scriptures was Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This verse reflects the hope Lisa tenaciously held onto throughout her life. She will be forever missed for her smile, sense of humor, and compassionate heart. May her hope continue to be strong and her future bright.

We love you, Lisa! You will be missed!

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Family will share some memories from 3:30 to 4:00 PM.