My beloved Mother. I have no words for the loss I'm feeling but I find strength in The Lord's comfort and in knowing without question that you are finally in your eternal home with Our Heavenly Father. Forever grateful for all your love and enriching my life in the ways you did. I love you so much. "In all thy ways...."
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
From her Brother Rodney: When my sister, Lisa, passed away unexpectedly last week it was devastating, but I immediately began to remember the good, happy, and blessed times. Writing this eulogy to my sister has helped me deal with the grief our family is now going through, and I hope it can help you too. My sister and I were close in many ways. She was a perfectionist, making sure that everything that was done was perfect! It really made me laugh at times, when we would do things the same way. For instance, when she was attending college in Fresno, she and I, purchased the same birthday card for my mother. She was in Fresno, and I was in San Francisco, but we both selected the same birthday card. My sister cared for everyone and always made sure everyone was taken care of. Lisa was a very bright individual who was successful at whatever she attempted. She excelled at school and graduated from high school with honors in music. She was an excellent pianist, playing classical, jazz--You name it, and she could play it! Even though my sister was a brilliant person who was very strong willed and really knew how to take care of herself, I always looked out for her. This past year, we communicated with each daily. I was happy to help her whenever she needed me, even though she was usually determined to solve problems on her own. She was a go-getter!
My sister was a hard worker but she enjoyed her free time. You could often find her relaxing or going shopping. When the kids were growing up, she enjoyed creating their Halloween costumes! She was also a good house decorator. She had a large 2-story home located in the Hayward Hills with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a guest restroom. She loved her family and friends very much. I spent many weekends at her house at one of her fabulous BBQ’s.
It is so sad that my sister Lisa's life ended so early. It is hard to accept that she will no longer be with us. She had a loving family and friends and a brilliant career, with the Bay Area Rapid Transit system. No one was really prepared for her passing and it can really be difficult to understand how life works sometimes. I am taking solace in knowing that Lisa is now in heaven, celebrating with the rest of our family who have already entered the Pearly Gates. Her memory will live on in many of our hearts forever. We will all be proud of her accomplishments forever and we will never forget how wonderful person she was. God bless you, my dear sister.
Eldest Grandson, Jamie Quilici: I tried to write something clever in honor of your spirit but to be truthful, I am at a loss for words. The reason for this is not because of sorrow or pain, but to be able to express my gratitude on a single piece of paper simply won't do. You deserve a novel filled with thank yous, but I'll do my best to say what I would like to say about my grandma. Everything I imagined a grandma to be, you were. Loving. Patient. Understanding. You encouraged me to be an individual, to think for myself, to dream big. If I told you I wanted to become the president you were ready to be my biggest supporter. No idea of mine was too far fetched because in your eyes, I could do anything. You taught me how to be strong, and to never give up no matter how tough the circumstance. When life threw its curve balls it was your wisdom that helped me persevere. You taught me how to forgive because a life with resentment was a life with regret. Although I never got the chance to thank you I know you are listening, smiling gracefully among us as we celebrate your life. Your spirit will be carried within us all, for you have touched our lives in unforgettable ways. We will miss you. We will not forget you. We love you. Your grandson, Jamie
From my best friend Asia’s Daughter Yasmine: Dear Flor De Lisa—thank you so much for the teen bible, I really appreciate it! When I was going through some tough times I would try to write and remember God and try to believe the importance of his presence. Thank you.
My childhood Friend, Wendy White: My oldest brother said it was your mother who taught him how to ride Bart. Also it was your mother who encouraged our older brothers to go around the Highlands (Our childhood neighborhood in the Hayward Hills) with a petition for everyone to sign, so that AC transit would go through the Highlands, and not just stop at Cal State Hayward. She always told them fight for what you want and believe in. She told my brother Crandell: “It's ok if certain people don't like you, as long as you love yourself.” Your mother had such a warm spirit. You are so Blessed that God allowed her to be your mother.
Cousin, Vincent Mallela: I always enjoyed talking with her. I'll never forget how she sent me a private message on Facebook one time, telling me how much she liked my conservative values.
Cousin, Juanita Bernabe Yee: I love that Cousin Lisa would following me on FB. Whenever I posted pictures if my Grandbabies, Cousin Lisa was always one of the first to comment on them or like them.
Cousin, Angela Cabrera Alves: Just 6 days ago she made a comment on Facebook about photos of our trip…..."Awesome sights...love pix of you Rich but how about some of Angie?! So glad you two are enjoying your happy wanderings." She always joked that way with me.
Her Childhood Friend/Church Family, Rene Aviles-Cooperstein: Your mom was a lovely, a beautiful person. My memories of her from our days of youth at your Great-Grandfather & Grandmother's church, Full Gospel Assembly, are dear and precious to me. Your mom also had such a quiet elegance about her. I remember her sitting at the piano and leading us in songs. I like to think that she is now in the Master's Choir with angels lifting their praises to God.
Childhood friend of Fred & Dez, Mike Falconer: I loved your mom, she was great. I hadn't seen her since the 1980's, but I remember talking to her all the time when I'd go up to the house to visit Dez and Fred. She was very cool.
Childhood Friend/Church Family, Nana Matedne: Your Mom and I and the other ladies of our Church organization, ran around with each other at Church conventions and visited at each other's homes!!! My home Stockton, San Jose, Vallejo and your Mom's home in SF. Her Mom and Grandad were so gracious and kind to take us to the Zoo, beach and made us have a great time!!! FlordeLisa Bernabe, would sit at the piano and I just LOVED her wonderful style of playing! She taught me some chords. I was so glad to have heard from her this last year!!
Well done, good and faithful servant. ...Enter into the joy of your Lord. Matthew 25:23, NKJV
Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You. Psalm 84:4, NIV