"Life is pleasant, death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome." - Isaac Asimov
Lisa R. Nowak of Grand Rapids, MI age 50 passed away on July 13th, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. She was born to Thaddeus (Ted) Nowak and Lois (Cook) Nowak on January 20th, 1972.
Lisa was the youngest of six children, born and raised in Muskegon, MI. After graduating from Mona Shores High in 1990, she continued a lifetime of learning, including an Associate's degree in Liberal Arts, stock theater at Berkshire, Massachusetts, and more recently certification as a Medical Assistant, as an employee of Spectrum Health Grand Rapids.
Brad Miller had the honor of becoming Lisa's husband on July 27th, 1991. Lisa's family grew on September 27th, 2001 with the arrival of her son Silas. On March 24th, 2005, the family was blessed a second time when Avery was born.
"The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge." - Bertrand Russell
Lisa's life was devoted to lifelong learning, service to the community, and love and care for her family. Lisa's love for those in her life ran deep, she lived to serve those around her. This lead to a career in the health care field, a passion for causes that affected her community, but most of all, her desire to create memories for others.
Lisa was an accomplished actor and director in the community theater scene, from her debut on the Civic Theatre stage as Billie Dawn in "Born Yesterday," through her Grand Award winning role as Theresa Bedell in "Boy Gets Girl," to her direction of numerous productions at Jewish Theater Grand Rapids. Under the stage lights Lisa created countless memories for her audience. Lisa's greatest roles however were as mother, wife and friend. She loved to plan trips for her family, so that, in her words, she could create memories. From a dive into a cave in Tennessee, to a stroll down Lombard in San Francisco, to a ghost tour in Savannah, she gave her family those experiences and memories which will last a lifetime.
"I argue thee that love is life and life hath immortality." - Emily Dickinson
Lisa is survived by her husband of 31 years, Brad, her children Silas Miller and Avery Miller; her sisters Lan Hamilton (Lynn Wolbers) of Ada, Lyni Nowak (Karen Leiter) of Big Rapids, Lesli Lehner of Grand Rapids; brothers Terry Nowak (Sue Nowak) of Cement City, Todd Nowak of Twin Lake; Father and Mother-in-Law Larry Miller and Gloria Miller of Muskegon; many nieces and nephews; and friends, co workers, co-stars and acquaintances too many to list here.
Lisa will be guided in the next world by her parents Ted and Lois and sister-in-law Sue.
A memorial/celebration will be held at McGraft Park in Muskegon, Michigan on Staurday, August 13th, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
Hospice of Michigan - www.hom.org
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