Lisa, of Howell, beloved wife, mom, daughter, sister and friend, passed into eternal life on Saturday afternoon, September 19, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit.  She was just two days shy of celebrating her 46th birthday.

Lisa was adored by so many for her joyful spirit and kind heart. She loved her family, her pets, her dream home, her "head under the hood" of the 55 Chevy and of course, her "happy place" Hubbard Lake. Everyone Lisa met became "family", she loved deeply and loved to laugh, share stories, sometimes endlessly, but mostly she truly cared.

Lisa was born and raised in Novi, Michigan where she met the love of her life Brian O'Neill. Married in August 2007 she moved to Howell and quickly became the "mother" of 4 four-legged fur babies (Rebel, Dixie, Spot and Dot). On March 4, 2011, Lisa gave birth prematurely to her first child, princess Lily who spent the 4 months of her short life at the U of M NICU before earning her wings. The world stopped turning for Lisa and Brian, but they never gave up and on March 4, 2014, their son Michael (Mikey) was born. Three years later Olivia (Livy Lu) arrived, completing the circle of love.

In 2021 the O'Neill's found their "forever home", a lovely, sprawling log home on 10 acres. Lisa was beside herself happy and in the throes of packing moving boxes she slipped and fell. Suffering significant pain in her back she continued to struggle, packing and never giving up. In February 2022, after many weeks of pain and doctor visits, she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, but her story continued.

In 2024 they adopted two Bernese Mountain dogs, Teddy and Bear and shortly after, brought home two kittens, Prickles and Rosie, quite the menagerie! Lisa's home was full and happy, if she could have added a fainting goat, chickens and a mini cow, she would have been complete!

Lisa continued to battle her disease for 4.5 years, refusing to let it win. When she was unable to walk, she used a wheelchair or golf cart but didn't stay behind. Many weeks she was in clinic appointments, infusions, radiation, for hours but bravely Warrior'd on, attending Mikey's baseball games and Livy's soccer games.

While at her "happy place" Hubbard Lake over Labor Day weekend 2026, Lisa sustained a hip fracture and was brought to Henry Ford Hospital for evaluation and treatment. While hospitalized, Lisa fell and fractured her other femur requiring trauma surgery. Due to her compromised health, the page turned and Lisa was unable to recover.

Lisa is survived by her loving husband Brian, her two adoring children, Mikey and Livy, her devoted pets Teddy, Bear, Prickles and Rosie. She also leaves behind her loving parents, Angie and Duane Szumlinski, her sister Andrea (Bill), her "other" children Alayna and Andrew DeLand and their dad Scott, mother-in-law Becky O'Neill, father-in-law Mike O'Neill (Sandy), brother-in-law Brandon (Rachel), nieces and nephews, Madi, Brooke, Cameron, and Carter, sister-in-law Shannon, brother-in-law Sean, niece Alesandra and her loving, extended family.

Her wings were ready, our hearts were not as she left peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She will never be forgotten and every star in the sky is brighter now. Love you to Pluto and back, and back, rest now beautiful warrior.

Special thank you to the wonderful team at Henry Ford Hospital Cancer Center, they are amazing, the HealthCap "sisterhood", and her "work family" at Chelsearhone for their unending support, kindness and love.

In the Christian faith, the butterfly is a beautiful symbol of resurrection, transformation and everlasting life. Just as the butterfly emerges from its earthly covering and rises on new wings, Lisa has been released from the pain and limitations of this life and welcomed into the loving arms of God. Following Lisa's passing, a butterfly visited her daughter, Livy—a tender and deeply meaningful moment the family received as a sign of Lisa's continuing love and peaceful presence. May every butterfly serve as a gentle reminder that Lisa is whole and free, that her spirit lives on, and that through God's promise of eternal life, love never truly ends. Perhaps that special butterfly was Lisa's way of reminding Livy and all those she loved that she is at peace—and that she and her precious Lily are together once again.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Friday, September 25th, from 2-8 pm, and again on Saturday, September 26th, from 11 am - 1pm.  Lisa's funeral ceremony will commence at 1:00 pm, also at Heeney-Sundquist.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to her family to assist in establishing a foundation to further honor Lisa's legacy.

Copyright Notice: This obituary and its original content are protected by copyright. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, republication, distribution, posting, or other use, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home and/or the family of the deceased. All rights reserved.