Lisa J. Vadnais Lee

July 1, 1963 — April 28, 2024

Ham Lake

It is with broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Lisa Vadnais Lee on April 28, 2024. Born prematurely on July 1, 1963 to her treasured parents John and Mary Vadnais she began her life as a little fighter and that zest for life continued throughout the rest of her life.

Lisa graduated from Blaine High School in 1982 and started her career as a nursing assistant and then went on to become a registered nurse. She worked for 20 years at Birchwood Health Care Center in Forest Lake and then at Whispering Pines Assisted Living as a nurse manager. In her long career of nursing, she was a fierce advocate for the people under her care and always went above and beyond to care for their needs. It wasn't uncommon for her to stay after work to play Yahtzee or listen to stories, making deep personal connections with everyone.

What Lisa loved most in this world was her large tight-knit family. She brought a spark everywhere she went that couldn't go unnoticed. No family gatherings were complete without glittery cupcakes, frosted sugar cookies, or her famous treat bags. She loved to laugh and have fun wherever she could find it or make it. She loved being creative with sewing, crafting, weaving, and making paper projects. One of her joys was our family craft parties that turned into a whirlwind of glue, glitter, and laughter.

Lisa enjoyed music and you never knew when she might burst into song or dance. She loved animals, and as a little girl filled her room with gerbils and gerbil cages. She rescued stray cats and dogs, and they became part of her family. Lisa enjoyed teaching Sunday school at Glen Cary Lutheran Church and also at Salem Lutheran church where she would bring art projects and treats and make Sunday school fun.

Lisa was one of a kind who faced life's challenges with courage. She believed in right or wrong and always stuck up for the underdog. She stood up for what she believed in and never backed down. Her light will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. A room will not shine as brightly without her in it.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Todd Lee; her beloved children, Angela Shafranski (Grant), Wyatt Lee (Anisa Khan); her two granddaughters, Milania and Ivy Shafranski; sister, Laurie Vadnais (Wayne Johnson); brother, Michael Vadnais (Maggie); sister-in-law, Lynn Vadnais; aunt and uncle LaVonne and Dennis Tacheny, and uncle, Ron Koecher, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lisa is preceded in death by her grandparents, Irving and Ellen Koecher and Gertrude and George Vadnais; beloved parents, John and Mary Vadnais; infant brothers, James and Joseph; brother, Kevin Vadnais; aunt, Mavis Tacheny, uncle, Ken Koecher; cousins, John Koecher and Allen Tacheny.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 10, 2024 at Glen Cary Lutheran Church, 15531 Central Avenue NE, Ham Lake, Minnesota. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Private interment to be held.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lisa J. Vadnais Lee, please visit our flower store.

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Gathering

Friday, May 10, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Glen Cary Lutheran Church

15531 Central Ave NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304

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