DOMINI, LISA ANN

Lisa Ann Domini of Scottsdale, AZ; loving and devoted mother, daughter, partner, sister and teacher passed away peacefully on Monday, March 20, 2023. She was 54, just shy of her 55th birthday on March 30th.

Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, Lisa attended SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral grade school for K-8th, Xavier College Preparatory for high school, then earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona and her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. While attending U of A she was a dedicated sister of Chi Omega Sorority and continued as an active alumna throughout her life. It was here that she developed her love of owls, the sorority mascot, and the wisdom and knowledge they represent, a fitting reflection of her lifelong passion for education and teaching.

For over 30 years, Lisa was a kindergarten, first, and second grade teacher in the Valley, teaching in the Creighton and Scottsdale school districts at Papago, Tavan and Hopi Elementary Schools, along with summer programs at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church. The school communities were family to her and she adored the time she shared with the students, parents, and staff. She primarily taught kindergarten and had a passion for teaching children at this age. She strongly believed that for a child, kindergarten is the integral launching pad to structured education and wanted to share her expertise and devotion at this level of development. She encouraged her students to be confident, successful learners, to believe in themselves, and “always do their personal best”. During these years, Lisa was also an adjunct professor for the University of Phoenix, teaching graduate courses in Early Childhood Education to teachers and prospective teachers.

Above all, Lisa was most proud of the role as Mom to her three children. She loved her mom groups when they were young, and adored their athletic, creative, and theatrical endeavors throughout the years. She was tremendously dedicated to family and often the host that brought everyone together. Holidays were special to her as she enjoyed decorating, and cooking and baking for family and friends. Lisa enjoyed reading, which might come as no surprise given her passion for education, and looked forward to the times she shared with her book club. She loved social activities, watching movies, gardening, pickleball of recent years, and crafting unique items for her home, her classroom, and gifting to others. She was a ray of sunshine to all with her beautiful smile, gentle demeanor, and kind, thoughtful, compassionate spirit.

Lisa is survived by her daughter Allison Lancaster; sons Andrew and Nicholas Lancaster; mother Cynthia Domini; devoted partner Tom Johnston; sister Molly Domini Cash; brothers Keith Domini (Tara Burke), Craig (Alden) Domini and Matt (Jennifer) Domini; nieces Gabriella and Mia Domini; nephews Winfield Cash, Porter and Hudson Domini; dear aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved father, Renny Domini, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private family service will be held on Friday, April 14th at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. All are invited to attend a funeral service the next day at 9AM Saturday, April 15th at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix 85012. A family-friendly reception will immediately follow the service at Hopi Elementary School, 5110 East Lafayette Boulevard, Phoenix 85018. Flowers may be sent by April 14th to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School, Phoenix 85018, or please consider a contribution in Lisa’s memory to Hospice of the Valley online at hov.org/donate or a check by mail to: 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.

“Teachers encourage minds to think, hands to create, and hearts to love.”