February 13, 1965 – April 15, 2022

The brightest stars are easily seen against the early night sky. When night falls, those stars standout even brighter, outshining all those around them.

The same is true of certain people, or stars on earth. They easily stand out in a crowd, on the street, in a classroom, or on a play field. They stand out as bright stars against a dark sky. Not just a bright smile, or the shining glimmer in their eyes, but also their presence that radiates from within.

One of these bright stars was born on February 13, 1965, to Hans and Bette Bjornestad. The third of four children, Lisa stood out. Her ear-to-ear smile, big bright eyes, shining blonde hair and loud laugh drew people to her. She loved people and life. From an early age, growing up on Mercer Island, Lisa had a gift. A gift that brought people together. Family, friends, and complete strangers were drawn to her. Simply put, she enjoyed living and others enjoyed being with her.

As an adult Lisa gravitated to small towns where the stars were brightest in the night sky. Soldotna Alaska, with her larger-than-life Malamute, Yukon. Port Townsend, where she instantly loved and connected with the people and community. And later, she found her home with husband John Graham and dog Buddy in Cle Elum.

While Lisa never had children, she thought of nieces Jamie Glennon and Samantha (Finney) Glennon as her own. Both of whom were always there for Lisa, even as she took her last breath and returned to the stars on April 15th, 2022.

It is often thought that the brightest stars on earth burn out first. While Lisa’s time on earth was certainly not long enough, the light she spread will always be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Lisa was survived by her husband John Graham, mother, Bette, brothers, Hans and John, sister, Anne, nieces, Jamie, Samantha, Ellie and Kire. And nephews, Chris and Payden. In honor of Lisa, please take the time to enjoy life and be kind to others.