Lisa Anne Giannuzzi

July 16, 1974 - June 15, 2026

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Lisa Anne Giannuzzi

Lisa Anne Giannuzzi, age 51, passed away peacefully at home on June 15, 2026 after a two-year battle with ALS.

Lisa was born on July 16, 1974 in Binghamton, NY, and from an early age brought an energetic spirit to both work and play. She enjoyed numerous sports, playing the piano, and going out dancing with friends, and she delivered newspapers so she could save money and support her budding love of fashion. Initially a quiet child, she blossomed into someone whose light filled every room she entered. Ever generous and creative, she always sought ways to express her love for others. Many friends arrived at school on their birthdays to be surprised by a locker covered with decorations and filled with special treats.

In 1992, Lisa left home to attend the University of Notre Dame, where she majored in Accounting. She quickly built a wide network of friends with whom she shared many adventures and remained close for decades. Between classes and exams, she also spent time with fellow Domers sister Caroline and future brother-in-law Sam and their friends, who embraced Lisa as one of their own. Adept at finding creative outlets for her interests, Lisa landed a role painting the helmets for the Fighting Irish football team, a highlight of her college experience and spark for her lifelong love of Notre Dame football.

Upon graduation, Lisa accepted her first accounting job at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Baltimore, where she again made many friends and enjoyed life near the Inner Harbor. She stood out among her peers not only for her professional competence but also her flair for fashion. She subsequently transferred to Ryland Homes and with a brave spirit moved across the country to the beaches of California, eventually settling in Solana Beach. Lisa was never afraid to try something new; she attended chef school part-time and traveled extensively. She especially loved taking trips with family and friends, but she didn’t fear venturing alone because she knew she would return with new friends to add to her ever-growing circle. Recent adventures included several trips to the Giannuzzi’s homeland of Italy and meeting her niece Julia in Portugal. When she wasn’t globetrotting, she loved welcoming and entertaining family and friends at her home, especially her nieces and nephews, for whom she made every visit memorable.

Ready for new challenges and artistic avenues, Lisa left corporate America in 2013 to explore entrepreneurship in areas that fed her passions for wine and fashion. Her most recent endeavor was as a candle maker, creating beautifully unique candles from repurposed, meaningful wine bottles. Be it from a bottle or from the heart, she poured love into everything she did.

Over the course of her life, Lisa had a knack for bringing people together, interweaving her network of classmates, coworkers, neighbors, tennis partners, candle clients, and wine bar patrons. She was known for her quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and funny phrases. Even when diagnosed with ALS shortly after her 50th birthday, she found ways to keep her humor going, giving her adaptive equipment and medicines funny names in true Lisa style. But above all, she was known for her generous spirit. She loved to celebrate and celebrated others with her whole heart. This love and generosity was returned in countless ways as her friends rallied around her with amazing support. When the disease stripped her of the ability to live independently, she moved from California to North Carolina to live with Sam and Caroline and be close to her parents. Loyally committed to Lisa, friends and family traveled great distances, often more than once, continuing to offer care and love. She found great joy in each and every visit. With the same courageous, creative, and funny spirit that guided her through life, Lisa battled ALS to the end. The disease stripped her of many things but never took away her capacity to love. May she now rest in peace.

Lisa is survived by her parents, Robert and Frances Giannuzzi, of Cary, NC; her sister Caroline and brother-in-law Sam, of Apex, NC; her nieces and nephews: Thomas, Julia, Jack, and Elena; her aunt Rena and cousins Amanda and Jessica, her uncle Joe and aunt Cynthia, and too many friends to count, most of whom considered her like a sister.

A visitation will be held at 11 am followed by a funeral Mass at 12 noon on June 23, 2026 at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Apex, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS United North Carolina (https://alsnc.org/donate/) or Feeding San Diego (https://give.feedingsandiego.org/fundraiser/7361311?is_new=true)

Services

23 Jun

Visitation

11:00 AM

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 625 Magdala Place Apex, NC 27502 Get Directions »
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23 Jun

Funeral Mass

12:00 PM

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 625 Magdala Place Apex, NC 27502 Get Directions »
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by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Friends of Fumbling Frida planted 5 trees in memory of Lisa Anne Giannuzzi . - June 22, 2026

    In loving memory of our truly wonderful friend, Lisa. May the beautiful moments we have shared bring us peace and comfort. With Sympathy, Friends of Fumbling Frida

  • Ocean Devotion

    Marcie Rash sent Ocean Devotion for Lisa Anne Giannuzzi - June 22, 2026

    In loving memory of our truly wonderful friend, Lisa. May the beautiful moments we have shared bring us peace and comfort. With Sympathy, Friends of Fumbling Frida

  • 5 TREES

    The Hohls planted 5 trees in memory of Lisa Anne Giannuzzi . - June 20, 2026

Condolences

  • June 29, 2026

    Neil Salmon

    Lisa and I started our careers together at Price Waterhouse in September 1996. There were six of us starting in the Baltimore office, but PW put us up in the Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia to train with the new hires from Philly. The six of us had a blast! We formed a tight bond during this training that lasted throughout our careers. Lisa and I were on many different engagements together including traveling to College Station, TX. Our new hire class would have Sunday dinners together to remain connected, but these quickly turned into dinners at Lisa's because she was by far the best cook and was the ultimate host. Lisa and I both moved to California around the same time so we stayed connected when we were on the West Coast as well. Lisa hosted my wife and I for a day the night before my first child was born officially making her Aunt Lisa. Lisa was an absolute light on this earth. We had so much fun together starting our careers and young adult lives together. I love you so much Lisa and will miss you terribly. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

  • June 28, 2026

    Chivon Prabhakar

    To the Giannuzzi family - I am so saddened and heartbroken for your loss. I hope you can find peace and healing. Lisa - I will miss your laugh and bright smile. So many memories with you that I will have with me. Lucky to have known you.

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    June 23, 2026

    Nicole Mazzola

    I did not know Lisa very well but I remember her beautiful smile and that she was always SO kind. I loved the sound of her voice and she always seemed to be headed somewhere fun or to do something fun! She made me smile always. I also remember the lovely candles she made and how passionate she was about making them. I know she is deeply loved by so many and very missed by her friends and family. I'm sending so much love and gentle hugs to everyone who knew Lisa. She is so very loved. I will miss her too. Nicole Mazzola

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    June 23, 2026

    Tim Wright

    Lisa, the candle maker. Bringing light to countless lives. A culinary master, a creator and a wonderful person. I cannot picture Lisa in my mind without a smile on her face. My heart is heavy to lose her. Lisa's memory lives on in the glistening flame we light in her honor. Until we meet again.

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    June 22, 2026

    Arnie & Maxine Cohen

    We were shocked to learn from Jason about Lisa's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to Bob and Fran and Caroline.

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    June 19, 2026

    Fran Giannuzzi

    Dear Tree Tree, Mom and Dad will forever miss you and look forward to the day that we can all be together.

  • June 19, 2026

    Frank Casano

    My deepest condolences for your loss. Sending prayers and love—Frank Casano

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    June 18, 2026

    Karen Smith

    My heart is broken knowing that such a beautiful soul is gone far too soon. She was a bright light - full of life, laughter, strength, and just the right amount of sass (or as she would say, freshy). One of her greatest gifts was her ability to bring joy to others. Whether through her smile, her sense of humor, her kindness, or simply her presence, she had a way of lifting people's spirits and making the world feel a little brighter. Even in the face of incredible challenges, she continued to inspire those around her with her courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit. I will always cherish her friendship, her infectious energy, and the countless memories she created for those fortunate enough to know and love her. Lisa was known for sending random messages to friends saying "what brings you joy today"? I recently asked her that same question and her response was "bringing joy to others". Boy did she nail that one! The world is dimmer without her, but the joy she shared and the light she brought to so many lives will continue to shine. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. With heartfelt sympathy and love to her family and all who were blessed to know her. Love and peace, Karen Smith

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    June 18, 2026

    Melissa & Bill Stonehouse

    Sending prayers and love to all the family. So very sorry for your loss

  • June 18, 2026

    Allyson Schneider

    I wish I knew her personally, especially after hearing about her all these years from her sister, Caroline. What a gift she was to the world, her community and family. May her love and spirit remain in your hearts forever. I love you, Caroline!

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