Lisa Marie Morgan Renfree

Lisa Marie Morgan Renfree passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at the age of 64. She came into this world, moved through it like a whirlwind, achieved her dreams, raised a family, and above all showed the world what it means to be a Christian. Lisa was born and raised in Algiers Point, one of five children. As a girl, she enjoyed visiting the family (“Paradise”) farm in Mississippi where she tended to the horses. She graduated in 1985 from Charity School of Nursing where she began her career as an ER nurse and met her husband Kevin, a medical student at Tulane University. They married in New Orleans and after fun years spent together in the city, uprooted and moved across four different cities in support of  her husband's additional medical training and military service. After becoming a mother, she gave up her nursing career to devote every waking moment and ounce of her vigor to raising her three boys. She and her family eventually settled in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona; but she always remained a proud New Orleanian and eager to share the city's rich culture of food, music, and people with everyone she met. She loved collecting driftwood, seashells and the flowers of magnolia trees, getting snowballs, and riding the Algiers ferry. She loved getting lost exploring the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods and finding eclectic furniture to restore. She loved cooking her grandmother’s Creole recipes and hosting parties to which everyone was invited. She loved dancing with her kids in the kitchen to New Orleans music and telling stories of her childhood. And she loved to help people.  Like many others, Lisa deeply loved her family and friends, and would do anything for them. But more rarely seen amongst us, she did so much for those she didn't even know. She opened her family's home to complete strangers in need of a bed (sometimes to her peril);  She delivered food to the sick and elderly with Meals on Wheels, becoming a dear (and often only) friend to many on her route; She volunteered as a school nurse and organized community service events for the students, which often involved yard work and home repairs for the disabled; She "adopted" a refugee family, who became an important and loved fixture of her own family; She replaced the worn tools of a homeless handyman and helped him find work; She snuck away during outings to befriend and lend an ear to the down-and-outs whom others hurriedly passed. There are  too many examples of her kind, selfless heart. And she never sought recognition or reciprocation. She did these acts (and many, many more) because she loved to help others.  Forever a free spirit, her voracious love for life, her “get-up-and-go” attitude, and zeal for new experiences energized everyone around her. She drew people out when they needed it most, creating wonderful memories for those who shared in her adventures. A remarkable woman who never sat still, her soul will live on in the many, many hearts that she touched during her short time on earth.  Lisa is survived by her husband, Kevin, and beloved “boys” Sean, Brian and Charlie. She will be dearly missed by brothers Jeff Morgan, Andy Morgan (Sheila), Paul Morgan, her “little sister” Johanna Baldwin (Roger), her stern-faced but adoring Uncle Barry, her in-laws, various nieces and nephews, and her dear friends who hailed from all walks of life.  Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, 400 Verret St.,  Algiers Point at 12noon. Visitation will be held at the church from 10am-12pm.  In lieu of flowers and sympathy gifts, please donate to one of Lisa's favorite charities Meals on Wheels or Circle the City in Phoenix, AZ.  Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals. com.