Marlborough – Lisa T. Verrier, 47, of Marlborough, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 18, 2013 after battling complications of lung cancer surgery for three weeks. Born in Framingham, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Gloria (Ceraulo) Verrier.
Although born with many challenges as a result of Down syndrome, Lisa had many blessings as well. She had both a biological family and an adopted “family” at her Liberty Street group home, managed by GMPI. She loved and was loved by both.
Lisa loved life and packed a lot of living into her 47 years. Her many interests included travel, cooking, baking, music, crafts, and Zumba. Laundry was also a favorite pastime and you could often find her in her room folding and putting things away just so.
She was fortunate to have been healthy until recently, so through the years she was able to travel to New Hampshire many times, New York, Maine, Washington, D.C., and Cape Cod, and enjoyed several cruises most recently to Bermuda.
Lisa always had a hug for you and was happy to do dishes or go to the gas station if it meant being with the staff. A resident of Liberty Street for almost 30 years, her happiness was a sign of the excellent care she received. How blessed we were and how fortunate as well that Lisa was not only our sister, but also our friend.
She will be greatly missed by her brother, Richard Leonard and his wife Sandi Keen of Pittsfield; her sisters, Carol Porreca and her husband Paul of Marlborough and Jeanmarie Leonard of Winnisquam, N.H.; and her extended family.
Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 4 – 6 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthias Church, 409 Hemenway St., Marlborough. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street in Marlborough.
Donations may be made to GMPI, 40 Mechanic St., Suite 100, Marlborough, MA 01752.
