The Santa Monica Family YMCA is dedicated to serving its members by providing programs and services that... moreThe Santa Monica Family YMCA is dedicated to serving its members by providing programs and services that enrich the quality of the physical, mental, spiritual and social lives of individual members, their families and communities.
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Lisa Clark. Lisa passed away unexpectedly in her home on June 19th.
By posting your stories and memories here, we will be able to create a beautiful memorial book for her family and hopefully provide a source of comfort to all those who loved her.... see moreWe created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Lisa Clark. Lisa passed away unexpectedly in her home on June 19th.
By posting your stories and memories here, we will be able to create a beautiful memorial book for her family and hopefully provide a source of comfort to all those who loved her.
We know that many of you posted FaceBook comments/reactions but this is an opportunity to compose a more thoughtful tribute if you so choose. Including memories, funny stories, photos, how you are connected to Lisa and your name will be so helpful.
Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
I had Ms. Clark for math and science during my 6th grade year at Palms. I am now a sophomore in college and I can confidently say that having her as my teacher was a foundation for my success as a student even to this day. I am so sorry for your loss as... moreI had Ms. Clark for math and science during my 6th grade year at Palms. I am now a sophomore in college and I can confidently say that having her as my teacher was a foundation for my success as a student even to this day. I am so sorry for your loss as a father, and wanted to share a little something about the lasting impact Ms. Clark had on her students. My 6th grade year, I was at the peak of my One Direction (a British boyband) phase. This was the same year Zayn (one of the members) left the band and I remember Ms. Clark checking in on me and even giving me space to "process" the news. This might be a silly memory to others, but having a teacher who paid that much attention and understood that such a small detail was making me upset really led to me having a positive attitude towards school and academics as a whole. During my time in her class, I was constantly motivated to aim higher because of her support, and that led to habits that allowed me to continue achieving success beyond her classroom. My brother also ended up having Ms. Clark as a teacher six years later during his 6th grade year, and the both of us will forever be grateful for our experiences as her student. less
I met Lisa years ago as part of a knitting group. I was one of the newbies and she welcomed me warmly and she never failed to make me smile or teach me something new. We shared a few mutual friends and you could tell how much she treasured each person... moreI met Lisa years ago as part of a knitting group. I was one of the newbies and she welcomed me warmly and she never failed to make me smile or teach me something new. We shared a few mutual friends and you could tell how much she treasured each person in her life from her family and friends and students. Even when time would pass between seeing each other. She was always happy to catch up and relate a funny story or honest take. I feel very blessed to have known her and will miss her greatly. less
I have been a colleague and friend of Lisa’s since my time at Palms for over 7 years. I was so shocked and devastated to hear the news of her passing. We had just run into each other on the PE side of Palms getting our Covid tests the last week of... moreI have been a colleague and friend of Lisa’s since my time at Palms for over 7 years. I was so shocked and devastated to hear the news of her passing. We had just run into each other on the PE side of Palms getting our Covid tests the last week of school. We hugged, caught up a bit, and said we would get together over the summer. We both loved Dupars on Fairfax and had dined there together in the past. I am thankful that I had that exchange with her right before school let out. She always made me laugh! Always! I would tell her how funny she was, and she would always correct me and say “I’m sarcastic, not funny”. She loved covering my class during her conference period if I needed to leave for an appointment or was absent. She was a gem of a person and friend. I will miss her dearly and so will her students. She was a great teacher. Love you Lisa. I will hold you close to my heart. My condolences to her loving family whom she adored to no end. I am so sorry for your loss. less
Lisa and I went to the same knitting group in Culver City for many years. We would meet every Monday night and I loved seeing Lisa each week. She was hilarious and kind. Over the years, I'd see kids from Lisa's class or previous years' classes run... moreLisa and I went to the same knitting group in Culver City for many years. We would meet every Monday night and I loved seeing Lisa each week. She was hilarious and kind. Over the years, I'd see kids from Lisa's class or previous years' classes run into her and give her hugs. Lisa would brush it off but I knew that it meant a lot to her. I could see why Lisa would be many students' favorite teacher. She had such a relatable youthful spirit. I'll think of Lisa whenever I watch reality TV or get early morning coffee (and I mean EARLY). When Lisa would leave the knitting group at the end of the night, she'd say some variation on, "Don't start talking about me until I leave the room."
Sending so much love to Lisa's family. She was so devoted to you all and it was apparent from the stories she would tell. less
I’m heartbroken. I just learned that my forever friend and sister passed last week. I met Lisa working as a summer camp counselor in the early eighties, we were roommates, camping buddies, Lisa was my confidant. I could share anything with her and she... moreI’m heartbroken. I just learned that my forever friend and sister passed last week. I met Lisa working as a summer camp counselor in the early eighties, we were roommates, camping buddies, Lisa was my confidant. I could share anything with her and she with me. We spent holidays together, family life events, she was very special to my family. She was so thoughtful always sending postcards from her travels. I am sad beyond belief, but have so many amazing memories that make me laugh and giggle.
Godspeed Lisa, you will always be in my heart. I love you mucho ❤️ less
Lisa, You were my sister from another mother. We travel, talked, and played like siblings. From our early days as roommates to our times traveling during Summer, Spring and Winter vacation you were there for me as I was for you. I know God put you in... moreLisa, You were my sister from another mother. We travel, talked, and played like siblings. From our early days as roommates to our times traveling during Summer, Spring and Winter vacation you were there for me as I was for you. I know God put you in my life for a reason and I am eternally grateful. I will go on our 2022 trip in your honor because I know you'd want me to. I love you. less
Lisa was teaching at Palms when I started at the school as a Special Education teacher and I can’t imagine what it will be like there without her. For me and for her hundreds (or thousands) of students--who played Bazinga, learned pumpkin seed math,... moreLisa was teaching at Palms when I started at the school as a Special Education teacher and I can’t imagine what it will be like there without her. For me and for her hundreds (or thousands) of students--who played Bazinga, learned pumpkin seed math, and never forgot that when Ms. Clark asked a question she would wait, and wait, and wait, for that reply—room 52 will be Ms. Clark’s room always.
(Getting frozen yogurt with Lisa and Kayla Frohlich.)
(Goofing around at UCLA with Lisa and my son, Jonas.) less
I just heard of this news. I am very saddened by this. Lisa was my mentor and friend. I loved her dearly. She has a heart of gold. I grew up at the YMCA and she was always so nice to me. She was my counselor when I was little and she kept in touch with... moreI just heard of this news. I am very saddened by this. Lisa was my mentor and friend. I loved her dearly. She has a heart of gold. I grew up at the YMCA and she was always so nice to me. She was my counselor when I was little and she kept in touch with me all of these years. I was an underdog when I was little but she treated me with respect and believed in me. She definitely had an impact on me. Her and I messaged on messenger up until recently. Her and I had a lot in common so we kept in touch about our students and teacher life. Quite honestly I think she is part of the reason I became a teacher. I’ll never forget her! ❤️ less
My name is Amy Miko. I just logged on to my work email and received the devastating news of the passing of your amazing daughter, Lisa. I was transferred to Palms Middle School in the Fall of 2021, so I was new to Palms. I... moreHello Mr. Clark,
My name is Amy Miko. I just logged on to my work email and received the devastating news of the passing of your amazing daughter, Lisa. I was transferred to Palms Middle School in the Fall of 2021, so I was new to Palms. I supported a student in Lisa's period 1 Math and period 2 Science class. We got to spend the first half of everyday together and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I have worked for the district since 1997 in many different classrooms and haven't felt as welcomed into a teachers classroom the way that Lisa welcomed me into hers. Not only was I new to the school, but middle school brings a whole new level of uniqueness. She would always wait outside of her classroom every period and greet every student, every day, every period. The same with any adult who walked in her room, always a warm welcome. Although we didn't get a chance to hang out outside of school, we quickly became close and shared many stories personal and professional. I would come to her class during her conference period and we would share stories or vent about the day of a life in middle school. On days I was absent, she would text me and check on me or send an, "I miss you" message! Some days, in a moment when we were shocked with kids behavior, we would text each other during class and vent. I definitely considered her a friend. I found out one of her favorite candies was Reese's Pieces and would surprise her with them. I will never eat a Reese's Pieces without thinking about her. Sadly, I missed the last 2 weeks of school due to having to take care of my sick kids and I'm sad I never got to say goodbye to her. I wear a bracelet everyday that says, "Everything happens for a reason" I know that Lisa made a difference in my life and I will always treasure the short time I knew her.
I met Lisa early in 1994 as we both worked at the Santa Monica YMCA and quickly became good friends. Even after I moved out of state we would get together when I vsited and on the day she took a trip here to Colorado. Lisa was and will always and... moreI met Lisa early in 1994 as we both worked at the Santa Monica YMCA and quickly became good friends. Even after I moved out of state we would get together when I vsited and on the day she took a trip here to Colorado. Lisa was and will always and eternally be a a wonderful, selfless and caring person. She was the one who taught me many things in life. I will forever be grateful to have know her and will cherish the moments and adventures we had together, especially our "Tito Tacos" moment. Till we see each other my dearest friend. less
I worked with Lisa at Palms Middle School and we quickly became friends . I loved seeing her face in my classroom door during her conference period . She was sweet , smart , so funny and thoughtful . She always remembered my birthday and was the first to... moreI worked with Lisa at Palms Middle School and we quickly became friends . I loved seeing her face in my classroom door during her conference period . She was sweet , smart , so funny and thoughtful . She always remembered my birthday and was the first to text for every holiday . After I left Palms , we would have our monthly phone call and catch up on all things! Our phone calls would always turn into hour long conversations and she would always make me laugh . I will miss her so much . Lisa was truly a special person and I am so glad that she was in my life . 💙 less
I worked with Lisa at Palms. She was so fun to be around. I really enjoyed meeting up with her and Terri on Sunday mornings. I loved her sarcastic humor and wit. I still can’t believe I won’t see her again. She is deeply missed.
I was in denial when I first heard of Lisa's passing. I was a partner of hers at Palms MS for only one year, but we hit it off very well and then administration gave us new partners, bummer. She was a joy to be around and always let you know where she... moreI was in denial when I first heard of Lisa's passing. I was a partner of hers at Palms MS for only one year, but we hit it off very well and then administration gave us new partners, bummer. She was a joy to be around and always let you know where she stood on any subject. We had nutrition break and lunch together almost every day she was at Palms. She would give us an uplifting if we were in a somber mood with her sarcasm about what ever we were talking about. I will miss her as well as my colleagues in the sixth grade area. She'll give the angels lift also. less
I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Lisa’s passing. She was so full of life and had such a great sense of fun. I worked with her at Palms Middle School for 10 years. I loved her sarcasm as we laughed and sometimes cried over the craziness of... moreI was so shocked and saddened to learn of Lisa’s passing. She was so full of life and had such a great sense of fun. I worked with her at Palms Middle School for 10 years. I loved her sarcasm as we laughed and sometimes cried over the craziness of middle school kids. Lisa was a very sensitive and compassionate person underneath it all. She will be deeply missed by all. less
I have worked with Lisa at Palms Middle School for over 11 years. She is an incredible friend , who could put a smile on anyones face. She is missed tremendously!
I am so sad to hear of Lisa passing. I met Lisa at CSULA and we were both studying to be teachers. She of course went to middle school and I went to ecse. She loved her family, friends and students. She will be missed. ❤️
I am absolutely devastated to hear of the news of the passing of my dear friend Lisa Clark. She was a LAUSD teacher who was so dedicated to her students. I used to visit her class in full uniform and speak with the kids on what it was like to be an... moreI am absolutely devastated to hear of the news of the passing of my dear friend Lisa Clark. She was a LAUSD teacher who was so dedicated to her students. I used to visit her class in full uniform and speak with the kids on what it was like to be an LAPD officer. We shared so many great memories over our love of Seinfeld and our YMCA bond that was incredibly special. It would not be uncommon for us to sing camp songs on the phone together and reminisce about the Beverly Hills and Santa Monica YMCA where we both attended and worked. We would meet up for Starbucks when I worked Wilshire Division, and just recently we hit up a Clippers game together. She would often reach out and hope I had inside info on the hundreds of police pursuits weekly or to discuss her love of Charles Barkley. You will be missed so much! less
LC lisa Clark was the coolest y camp Councelor biggest heart and the stories of good times are endless from resident camp to day camp hangin at the y or meeting up to talk about where’s everybody at these days.
Cyndi Laroche
I’ll never forget those resident camp days Beverly Hills ymca. Lisa was indeed the best camp counselor ever! She was always so cheerful and funny! She also made camp so fun! She had a sense of humor too! She cared about everyone! I will miss her too Shane!
June 27, 2022
Hugo Acevedo
I am grateful for my friendship with Lisa. We spent many moments laughing together in my office, talking about her students, the things that they would say or do… I will remember her beautiful happy smile. God bless you Lisa.
July 4, 2022
Thomas TuckerI met Lisa during my first year of teaching in Los Angeles (20+ years ago), and we quickly became friends. We traveled throughout Spain, Portugal and Morocco as a duo (yes, we got stranded there and made the best out of it. We also delighted in finding... moreI met Lisa during my first year of teaching in Los Angeles (20+ years ago), and we quickly became friends. We traveled throughout Spain, Portugal and Morocco as a duo (yes, we got stranded there and made the best out of it. We also delighted in finding cool places to eat around the city. I will always hold our friendship in the highest of regards. Keep smiling down on all of us!