Lisa Lanza

Lisa Ann Lanza (nee Arcano), 69. Born April 19, 1955 in Stamford to the late Joseph R. Arcano and Justine G. Tosches, she passed peacefully January 9 after a long illness. A long-time resident of Shelton, Lisa grew up in Stamford and graduated from Stamford High School in 1973.

She was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, sister (and sistah to her girlfriends), friend to many, a "Beauty," cat lover, aunt, cousin, and creative spirit. She is survived by her faithful husband, Robert Gorse of Shelton, often referred to as "Bob, honey!"; her two sons, Joseph Lanza (Lauren) of Alexandria, VA and Steven Lanza (Marissa) of Long Branch, NJ, a brother, Michael J. Arcano of Stamford and sister-in-law Wendy Arcano of Venice, FL, in addition, her step-children Rob Gorse of Winsted and Mallory Gorse of Torrington. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren Jack Lanza, Emily Lanza, Leo Lanza and Sophia Lanza — all whom she loved to the moon and back. In eternal rest she joins her parents, her rocks, and elder brother Richard J. Arcano.

She was a master of the two-letter Scrabble word, but never knew when to take her points in "Greed." Return policies didn't matter to her — the store was most certainly taking it back. She loved games, especially during the holidays with her family, but beware her mal occhio. She loved to cook, color, paint, play the piano, sing and write poetry. She was stubbornly loving. She had higher standards while dining out than Michelin and any bacon fried less than extra crispy was inedible. She was a life-long educator, both professionally and personally, and was always up for a trip to the casino. She wrote immaculate cursive, often inside of heartfelt birthday cards, wrapped beautiful presents with a single piece of tape, and folded a fitted sheet with ease. She made delicious Sunday gravy and baked holiday-favorite anisette cookies. Lest we forget, she leaves behind a crumb-free and spotless kitchen. She fought to the end and when she wanted something, she figured out how to get it. She made jokes at anyone's expense and loved her family and her friends dearly.

Friends may share condolences at Lacerenza-Macari Family Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Ave, Stamford, Monday, January 13 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 14th, at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Ave., in Stamford. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery, Darien, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please be so kind as to send donations in Lisa's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (https://www.breakthrought1d.org/).

And please remember to take your shoes off in the foyer and watch the walls.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.lacerenzafh.com