“Lisa Van Wie Heiser found eternal peace in the arms of her Lord, on Sunday, Nov. 7, surrounded by her loving family and friends,” her family wrote in a tribute. She was 57.

She was born in Albany on Oct. 12, 1964 to Gaile Carter (née Wood) and Charles F. Van Wie Jr.

After graduation from Bethlehem Central High School, she continued her studies at Russell Sage College, earning her bachelor of arts degree in education and master’s degree in business administration. She worked the majority of her professional career at Hudson Valley Community College, continuing there for 25 years, before retiring in August 2020 as the director of financial aid.

“To know Lisa was simply to know and see the love of God, for He surely gave the most beautiful qualities of His spirit to such a special woman,” her family wrote. “Her life was full of compassion and giving to others, finding herself happiest in service to the Lord and those in need.

“Lisa’s infectious laugh and beautiful smile could light up any room. Her faith journey started early in life and continued at First Reformed Church of Wynantskill and more recently at Community Bible Chapel of Cooperstown.

“Even through her battle with cancer, Lisa’s love and faith carried her, strengthened her spirit, and allowed her to continue caring for others. Lisa was a shining example of how to live with a kind, loving, and open heart. Hers was a cherished life that will live on forever in the hearts of all she touched.

“Lisa’s time with us was filled with many great memories. She ventured on several sailing trips over the ocean waves and many seaside family vacations to Cape Cod, Gloucester, and Florida, finding peace in the soft sandy beaches and the calming sounds of the ocean.

“She also found solace in nature, loving all animals, especially her beloved dogs and kitties, as well as the cardinals and hummingbirds that visited her beautiful gardens. Lisa was energized for any sporting activity, thriving on running, road cycling, kayaking, golfing, and cheering for her Boston Red Sox or Green Bay Packers.

“Though, some would argue her greatest pastime was in the kitchen, baking exceptional desserts, her colossal blueberry muffins, or making her amazing homemade ice cream with fresh cream from the homestead, Meadowbrook Farms.

“It was at Fenway Park in Boston during a Red Sox game that Lisa said ‘yes’ to her Charlie Brown, and while only together since 2015, she shared the greatest love affair with her soulmate John Heiser of Cooperstown, who will hold her forever in his heart.  Lisa’s love will also be held forever by her family and countless friends.”

****

Lisa Van Wie Heiser is survived by her stepdaughters, Hannah and Skyler Heiser; by her father, Charles F. Van Wie Jr.; by her sisters, Ruth Damp and her husband, Charles, of Ray Brook, Robin Manning and her husband, Michael, of Delmar, Suzan Weber and her husband, Frank, of Schoharie, Mary Van Wie and Paul Chiesa of East Berne; and by her brother, Charles F. Van Wie III and his wife, Lisa, of Clarksville.

She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Catherine Heiser of Watsonville; her brothers-in-law, George Byrnes and his wife, Suzanne, of Haslet, Texas, and Scott Heiser and his wife, Cora, of Delmar; and by her many nieces and nephews that she loved like her own children, and countless friends.

Her mother, Gaile Van Wie, died before her, as did her father-in-law, James Heiser.

Her family will hold a celebration of her life memorial gathering at a date to be announced.

“Lisa’s family thanks you for holding her and them in memory and prayer through this time,” the tribute said.

A memorial scholarship fund at Hudson Valley Community College has been established in her memory. Please visit https://www.hvcc.edu/giving/online.html and select “Lisa Van Wie Heiser Memorial Scholarship” from the drop-down designation list to contribute to the fund.

“In Lisa’s love for animals, any other memorial contributions are requested to go to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, https://mohawkhumane.org,” her family wrote.