Obituary of Lisa Marie LaFrance

LaFrance, Lisa Marie (Morin), 63, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota passed into her heavenly home on July 13th, 2023.

Lisa was born in Lacrosse, Wisconsin on June 15th, 1960. Growing up in Minnetonka, she attended St. Theresa’s Elementary school in Deephaven and her love for Christianity led her to Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Louis Park. Lisa’s profound joy in athletics allowed her to participate in multiple state high-school basketball tournaments well as a full-ride basketball scholarship to Marquette University in Milwaukee. She also enjoyed running, completing nine marathons.

Lisa was a curious, intelligent woman who earned a BA degree in business at Marquette. After graduation, Lisa joined IBM just after the debut of personal computers. Realizing an interest and aptitude for technology, she then co-founded a computer training company for youth from all backgrounds and skill levels. Lisa also started an IT services firm providingsupport to schools, including the St. Croix Lutheran High School community in West St. Paul, MN.

Lisa was the favorite auntie of many nieces and nephews. Lisa was serving as basketball coach for her nephew’s team when she met her future husband, Greg, whose son Nic also played on the team. Greg was immediately attracted to Lisa’s independence, self-resiliency, faith, beauty, and love for life. Lisa and Greg married in November 2000. Their child, Marie, was born in August 2001.

As a Mom, Lisa cherished being absorbed in the celebration of daughter Marie’s life milestones, large and small, as well as being “dog mom” to her 2 British labs. As her life progressed, Lisa’s special gift for compassion, attention to those in her immediate presence, and her deep spirituality was the foundation of Lisa’s incredible relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Lisa was a “mother-like” figure to many. Those who encountered Lisa during her battle with brain cancer, particularly her personal care assistant, Nichole, formed deep incredible connections as Lisa fought cancer with dignity and grace. Lisa and her family have been very grateful for all the care, support, and love these past four years.

Survived by her soulmate and devoted husband, Greg; daughter Marie, bonus son Nicholas; father, Thomas Morin; siblings, Tim (Mary Alice) Morin, Jeff (Mary Jane) Morin, Mary Kay (Jim) Kopp, Tom (Heather) Morin; In-Law’s, Anne (Bruce) Merry, Suzette (Brian) Burley, Paul (Julie), Mary (Jim) Ziemer, Todd (Sarah); 30+ nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by mother, Sally Morin; father & mother-in-law, Pete and Carmen LaFrance.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 28th, 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Thomas Becket, 4455 S Robert Trail, Eagan, MN. Visitation 1 hour prior at 10:00 AM, luncheon following mass. Christian burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Shorewood, Minnesota. Donations can be directed to National Brain Tumor Society. A casual picnic is scheduled after internment at 3PM at Lake Ann Park - Lakeside Pavilion, Chanhassen