Lisa Harrison

Lisa Harrison was a woman of great strength and determination, who, like a ray of sunshine, could bring light and warmth to all those in her presence. Although her life was plagued with obstacles to overcome, Lisa’s joy and zest for life radiated from her every fiber. She cherished her family and found that her heart was truly filled when she was at home in the company of those she held most dear.

The mid 1960s was a period of great change in our nation’s history. Protest movements were at the forefront of discussion as more and more U.S. troops headed for Vietnam. Yet, despite the looming problems around the world, people still needed to have fun and it became the golden age of drive-in theaters and the Beatles owned the top of the pop charts. It was also the year that Robert and Bonnie (Harker) Gane of Lawton, Michigan, welcomed their third and youngest child into their lives. Daughter Lisa was born on April 25, 1966, in Grand Rapids. To provide for their family of five, Robert worked at General Motors and Bonnie was a secretary at Lawton Middle School.

Lisa grew up facing the challenges of Cerebral Palsy, and was in and out of hospitals most of her childhood. Despite her limitations, Lisa refused to let her condition consume her life. With fierce determination, she learned to walk and ride a 2-wheel bike, against all odds. Lisa received her early education at Parkwood/Upjohn School, and then transferred to a public school just before kindergarten. Some other very memorable milestones in Lisa’s life included graduating from Lawton High School in 1985, and getting her driver’s license, and her independence. Aside from her studies, Lisa worked a variety of jobs, including at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Rykse’s Restaurant in Kalamazoo, and working in her parents’ video store.

In late 1992, a wonderful thing happened to Lisa – she met the love of her life, Martin, through some friends. It wasn’t long before wedding bells were ringing as Martin and Lisa were happily married on June 5, 1993, in the backyard of his parents’ home. The newlyweds took a short honeymoon in Kansas City, and were also able to visit Martin’s dying aunt. With a longing for children of her own, Lisa couldn’t wait to start a family with Martin. It wasn’t long before the couple welcomed the births of three sons, Christopher (1993), Casey (1995) and Matthew (2003). Although Lisa was hoping for at least one girl, she was proud and delighted with her three boys. Unfortunately, their middle son, Casey, was born with many health problems, including water on the brain, and spent most of his days in the hospital. Sadly, he died in 1999.

After her boys arrived, Lisa stayed home to devote herself to the role of a mother. One of her favorite activities was reading to the boys every day. The family lived in several different areas over the years, including Lawton, Mattawan, Hartford and Kalamazoo. In 2004, Lisa, Martin and their boys took an unforgettable trip with her parents to Disney World, and there wasn’t a day since that they didn’t think about how they could get back there again. Having a strong family was always important to Lisa, and they did all they could to stay close-knit. When it came to her leisure time, Lisa enjoyed doing latch-hook rugs, painting ceramic figurines, watching movies, like Pretty Woman, and Family Matters on TV.

Lisa was a loving wife and mother who brightened and enriched the lives of her loved ones every day. She will be deeply missed and remembered forever.

Lisa R. Harrison, age 43, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 18, 2010, in Paw Paw, MI. Learn more about Lisa, view her Life Story film, and share in some refreshments with her family and friends on Monday, March 22, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson, 60900 M-40, Paw Paw (657-3870), where services will be held on Tuesday, March 23, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home.

Lisa was preceded death by her son, Casey, in 1999. Surviving is her husband of 17 years, Martin Harrison; 2 sons, Christopher and Matthew Harrison; parents, Robert and Bonnie Gane; 2 siblings, Scott (Kimberly) Gane and Laura (Randy) Slain; in-laws, Virgil and Pat Harrison; 2 sisters-in-law, Barb Harrison and Sonya (Bryan) Eastman; 5 nieces and nephews: Sara, Rachel and Aidan Gane and Josh and Jason Heystek; and aunts, uncles and cousins. Please visit Lisa’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Christopher & Matthew Harrison Trust c/o 5/3 Bank.