Lisa Galloni Doerrer passed on from this life on Feb. 4 after a courageous, five-year battle with lung cancer.

She leaves her loving son Matthew Doerrer and her life partner of 25 years, Edward Muzik. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Sandra and Frank Galloni. In addition, she leaves her siblings Frank Michael, Christopher Galloni, and Cynthia Wohlers and her dear niece, Emma Wohlers.

Lisa was a para teacher in special education, a position she loved, at the Farm Hill School in Middletown. Working with her students brought her so much enjoyment and fulfillment, watching the progress and change that she was able to help them make in their lives. The friendships of her colleagues at Farm Hill, especially Pat, the school nurse, were very important to her. Pat was a force that helped her not only manage special ed students but also Lisa’s journey with her personal medical problems. Thank you so much Pat. Cheri Roberts was another very special person in Lisa’s life, having become friends from the time their children were young and sharing in life’s journey with its ups and downs through the years. Thank you, Cheri, for being such a wonderful friend to Lisa.

She spent many happy days with Ed’s family and traveled with both her family and Ed’s family over the years. Gardening, yoga, and of course, the women’s basketball program at UConn were important in her life. Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear. Lisa was a special gal and will be missed by all whose life she touched.

The family will host a celebration of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lisa’s name to the American Cancer Society and the ASPCA.