Lisa Stephens McNamee

FAMILY: In 1973 I met the love of my life, Chris McNamee. Friends set me up on a blind date with someone else who was late. Chris was friends with my friends and just happened to come by to visit them. It was love at first sight! We were married in 1974. Sadly, Chris passed away in 2014. I was fortunate to spend 40 years with such a kind, funny and intelligent man.
We have two wonderful daughters. The oldest is Jennifer who holds a Masters Degree in English Literature and is a well-respected teacher at Centennial High School. She has three great kids, Sophie, Chris and Zoe. My youngest is Shannon who is a very talented licensed massage therapist and her son, Jackson, is a smart, precocious 4-year-old. All of my grands are just simply grand!
I am very close to my sister-in-law, Ross. We get together a couple of times a week and have travelled together to many great places.
Along with the hoomans, my family is complete with my best boi Ozzie, a 6-year-old, 6 pound Yorkshire Terrier.

OCCUPATION: After working for more than a decade in the restaurant/risk management industry I took a leap of faith and began a new career as a private investigator/independent insurance adjuster. What a fun job! I worked for one firm for over 12 years and then accepted a position with another company. After 15 years and attaining the position of Senior Vice President of Personal Lines I retired in 2019.
FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORIES: I enjoyed being a member of the band and have very fond memories of Brother Drolet and French classes. My first date in high school was with Mike Vlaovich. Thanks Mike!

HOW I LIKE TO SPEND MY TIME: When I retired my goal was to travel abroad and continue to fill up my passport. Unfortunately, Covid had different plans for me, as it did for all of us. I love spending time with my family and my grandkids. I volunteer in many areas, including helping neighbors, many of whom are elderly, with transportation to appointments, organization and even small home repairs. The only payment I ask for is that they share their favorite memories. My life is enriched with their wonderful stories!

FUN TIDBIT(S) ABOUT ME: Creating stained glass art is a passion. It is both challenging and rewarding to take colored and patterned panes of glass, cut, grind and solder the pieces into works of art. It is the ultimate jigsaw puzzle!

HIGHLIGHTS OF MY LIFE SINCE HIGH SCHOOL: After graduation I had the opportunity to purchase the dance studio I had been associated with and had actually been running for so many years. I had saved almost the entire amount needed, and was only short $1500. However, no one wanted to take a chance on an 18-year-old “girl” to loan the rest of the funds. So, I emptied my bank account and bought my first car, a 1972 Mustang Grande. I guess I showed them how irresponsible I was!
Since high school I have enjoyed my career challenges and have been successful in every endeavor. Most importantly, I have been blessed with the love of my family. Every day is a new adventure in making the world a better place. One Random Act of Kindness at a time!