BORN

1971

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

People's Funeral Chapel

501 North Douty Street

Hanford, California

Lisa Berggren Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 15, 2017.

Lisa Ann Berggren passed away unexpectedly June 6, 2017 in Visalia, California. She was born Lisa Ann Moody in Burbank, California on May, 2, 1971. She grew up in Glendale and attended schools there through Junior College. She graduated from Glendale High School in 1989. Lisa went on to attend Cal State Northridge, Cal State Channel Islands, Cal Poly Pomona and the University of Texas, San Antonio. Although not a natural academic student, through pure hard work and determination she earned a B.S. in Animal Science in 1996 and was pursuing a Master's Degree in Education. She also earned numerous specialized certificates and diplomas in education and psychology.

Lisa met Bob Berggren, a career Navy man, in 1999 and they married in 2001. Out of College, Lisa chose to become an educator/teacher. She knew that she had a special gift and an ability to connect with children. It seemed to anyone who knew her that she loved virtually all children she encountered – those thriving or struggling, happy or sad. She found the good and the potential in every one of them. Her teaching career spanned 18 years at schools in Santa Paula, Camarillo, Hanford and Stratford; five of those years as an Assistant Principal here in Kings County. Her kids liked and loved "Miss B" and she loved each of them.

Anyone who knew her knew that Lisa had a great desire to collect and help "strays" – any creatures of God. If she couldn't give an animal a home she would find someone who could. Servicemen and women away from home always had a place set at her table for the holidays.

Through all of her great achievements and accomplishments, the one she was most proud of, and the center of her world, is her beloved 10 year old son, Phoenix. He was her whole purpose. Her love for him will live forever. In 2014, she met Jim Adams, her fiancé. They both treasured their time together.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Harold Moody, and Bob Berggren, Phoenix's father. She is survived by her son, Phoenix Berggren; her mother, Leann Brisben; her Stepfather, Frank Brisben of Groveland, CA; her brother, Mark Moody of Crestline, CA; fiancé, Jim Adams and his daughters, Tara and Heather Adams and his granddaughter, Emory Kincaid; her uncle/aunt and godparents, Bob and Donna Thomas; beloved cousin Kelly and her husband James and son, Jordan Geels, all of Visalia, CA, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Lisa is also survived by many, many friends and students whose lives she touched and who love her.

Lisa is also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Wyatt.

Leann and all of Lisa's family and friends thank Frank Brisben for taking Lisa into his heart as his daughter. She loved you, and to her you were her father. Thank you for your heart.

A Celebration of Life for Lisa will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lemoore Church of the Nazarene, 726 East D Street, Lemoore, CA.

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August 3, 2017

Leann Brisben

My dearest Lisa,
It has been almost two months since you left us. I never knew my heart could hurt this much. Phoenix will be celebrating his 11th birthday missing his mom. We are trying are hardest to carry out your hopes and dreams for him that you shared with us so many times. He is your everything. I pray that we can all measure up to your role model and continue to guide him to be the person you would be proud of. I love you so much. Mom

August 2, 2017

Frankie Sellers

My sincere condolences to Phoenix, Leanne and Frank. I met Lisa when she became a teacher at Kings Community School in Hanford. I was the Secretary for many years and became close friends with Lisa. I considered her one of my sisters-in-heart. Lisa always had a smile on her face and some smart quirky thing to say at the drop of a dime. She had a heart of gold and was definitely treasured by so many students and staff alike. She and Bob entrusted my daughters, Alyssa and Vic(Tori)a, to watch over and care for Phoenix, and of course the many critters that inhabited their home in Hanford. I think back to when she met Jim, and what I remember the most, is that she was like a teenager in love! She always had a smile on her face and a song in her heart! I miss her more than she will ever know! She was a great friend and shoulder to cry on. Much love and respect.

August 2, 2017

Dan Wood

Lisa was my closest friend in college. We did so many things together, from studying and attending class to traveling the state to go to rodeos. There was rarely a day that went by that we weren't hanging out doing something. She was so vibrant, excitable, hard working, hard headed, but more loving and caring than anyone else I've ever known. I miss her and think of her often.

August 2, 2017

Vance Wood

To my sister who always loved us. I love you and miss you

July 9, 2017

Family

Eileen Preston

Lisa was an answer to a long running prayer of mine. You see, I prayed for someone special to come into my brothers life and give him the love he so much deserved and needed (I'm Jim's sister). God sent her and she and my brother met and fell in love.

From the moment I met her a little over 2 years ago, it was as if I had known her my whole life. It was an instant friendship, instant laughter and fun, instant "I can't wait for you to be my sister in law feelings". She completed our family. We loved her truly and without measure. What a fantastic woman, Mother, fiancé, step Mother to my nieces and friend she was.

I'm so grateful for even this short time of knowing her and calling her my Miss Mamie. She was just like a sister to me and I considered her so. She will be greatly missed and I treasure the time she was in my life.

Rest In Peace Lisa. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time and for the time yet to come.

Eileen Adams Preston.

July 6, 2017

Friend

Karen Padres (Whitington)

Dearest Leann and family, I am so saddened to hear of Lisa's passing. Can't begin to know how you are feeling but want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Huge hugs coming your way. ❤

July 4, 2017

Amaan Kaur

I met Lisa at Wells Fargo back in 2013 and as of that very day we became such good friends. We had so much in common and every time her story matched my story. Anytime she came to the bank, i heard that loud laugh and the same voice and no matter how busy i was, that lovely laugh always caught my attention. She always waited for me and always said out loud " Hi Girlfriend". I will miss all this. Lisa, my dear no matter where you are in heaven, I am positive that you are keeping others very happy and busy around you with your jokes and laughs. At the end, you will be always missed. You were an extraordinary woman. May your soul rest in peace!!

July 1, 2017

Spouse

Jim Adams

Baby, I'm sorry its taken me so long to do this, i just didn't have the strength to do it before now.

You were my life. my best friend, my soul mate, my confidant. Even though we were not married, you are my wife and I am your husband. You were everything I never had in life, and everything I always wanted. I never thought I could be loved by someone so completely and totally as you loved me. I never thought it was possible I could share the kind of love we had for each other.

I miss you with everything that I am. But as much as I miss you, I love you even more. Always have, and i always will. I will love you for the rest of my life. No one will ever replace you. its just not possible. The love we shared comes only once in a lifetime, that much i know.

I wear your ring around my neck. I don't need it to remind me of you, I don't need any reminders of you because you are still with me, in my mind, my heart and my dreams. I wear it as a symbol of the love I still have for you.

Life without you is not life, its simply existence. The better part of what was me, was you.

I love you baby, and i miss you so much! I could not love you more than i do, and I could not miss you more than I do.

Please forgive me baby.

June 29, 2017

Diana Haslick

I'm very sorry about Lisa's passing. Although I never met her, she was engaged to my uncle and very loved by him and my cousins. The outpouring of love and emotions since her passing has shown me what an incredible and very cherished woman she was. My deepest condolences to all who love her.

June 28, 2017

Courtney Coelho

Lisa, otherwise known as "Mrs. B" was a ray of light to all of us, especially her students. I worked with her the entire time at KCS and we had fun days, hard days, and sometimes very crazy days! She took it all in with a beautiful smile and could find humor in every situation. We had lots in common as she had one son as do I and it was clear everyday that Phoenix was her heart and soul, her pride and joy, even when she would tell stories about him getting in trouble at school she would explain how she would have to have serious talks with him all while laughing inside because she could never be upset with him. I will miss her dearly and cherish all the memories I have with her. I find a small bit of comfort knowing that she lives on through Phoenix and the impact she has had on so many young troubled lives. She was more than a teacher or vice principal to her kids she was that caring adult who went the extra mile, spent the extra time, and gave everyone that extra chance. Lots of love and prayers to Phoenix, Jim, Leann and Frank. ❤

June 28, 2017

Christopher Castadio

From the first day we met you welcomed me into your family with open arms and so much love. yes she did interigate me a little just to get to know who I am and she found out I was about to leave to school in Camarillo. A school that she had attended a few years ago and would always go on to tell me all these places I need to check out and things she did there. And from being over there to hang out with her family on holidays and just random dinners she was always extremely nice, loving, and could always put a smile on all of our faces. I will miss you Lisa, but I'm so glad we got to spend the time we did together. So much love to you and the family ❤

June 22, 2017

your mother always had a sweet smile on her face and a hello every time we saw each other.

June 22, 2017

Donna & Bill Woolard

My Dear Leann & Frank,
I sit here in WI remembering the day our sweet neice was born. Sooo precious. We wish we could be in CA for her Celebration of Life today. Phoenix, your mom was special, determined and full of love for you and her family.
Hugs from afar

Posted by Donna & Bill Woolard

June 20, 2017

Family

Leann Brisben

Posted by Leann Brisben

June 19, 2017

Student

Mariah Villagran

Ms.B such a beautiful lady that had to leave this earth so suddenly and way to early left behind her handsome son. You taught us well we always had good conversations and you told me how it was and treated me like your own. Ill never forget that about you, you always made us laugh and smile never a bad time with you, you taught me how lifes not easy and things will get ruff and that having a kid at a young age isnt easy but its not impossible thats something we always talked about. It was always good vibes when me and Fylicia use to sneak out of class to hang out with you and eat cup of noddles lol your such a beautiful lady i seen you a couple months back at the mall we were all eating and catching up and your son wanted to go jump on those big trampolines in the center of the mall you said just go lol and we all started laughing.. i know your looking at us proud of us for maturing in life and getting our stuff together. I will always keep your name alive thats a gaurentee you wont have to worry about that i love you and wish caught up more times then we did. Lifes to short to hold grudes or be mad if people are. Youll always be my guide you always told me if you put your mind too it youll be able to do whatever you want. I love you and miss you so dearly but nothing will bring you back im just glad your in peace in heaven not in pain not having to hurt anymore even though i know you didnt want to leave especially with your son you loved so dearly hes a mommas boy i know you were their with us when we had a get together at la feista lol we always enjoyed our memories and miss you it still seems so unreal you were so young. I look up to you and always will just know you were one great person in life an amazing person one that nobkdy will be able to forget i think your unforgettable ive known you since 8th grade i just wish you could of made it to graduation to see that i matured and im getting my life together ever since i had my son you were right you always were right and i never wanted to admit it and lopk stupid lol but please always watch over me and make sure your little one is okay.

June 19, 2017

Debra Con

Dearest Leann,

We are so very sorry for your loss. We have all of you in our prayers and thoughts.

Love,
Debra

June 17, 2017

Leann Brisben

My heart is broken, my dear daughter. You are loved and cherished throughout eternity. I cannot bear to see the pain in Phoenix's eyes. Frank and I will love him and keep your memory alive until we meet again.

Going through these days in sorrow and pain, we have come across the most wonderful and amazing people. Many are family and friends and some are new acquaintances. The outpouring of love and kindness for us and especially Phoenix, touches my heart like nothing I have ever experienced. Your compassion for the many kids who called you "Miss B" will not be forgotten and lives through their stories. We are so proud of your accomplishments and the many lives you touched along your short journey.

I pray that we can measure up to the trust you have given us to raise Phoenix in honor, faith and respect and my giving him all of the love in our hearts. We miss you, Lisa.more than our words can express.

June 17, 2017

Friend

Crystal & Jeremy Naftzger

I just wanted to share a few thoughts about this amazing woman I call my friend. I'll never forget the day I met Lisa for the first time. We were at "Cowboy Day" at the kid's school. We were new to Kings and didn't know very many people. Landen and Phoenix were in the same class and coincidentally also put in the same small group this day. We were both sitting on the ground and Lisa was eating a rice cake. The twins (Mason & Eli) pretty much attacked her and wanted her food. She put them both on her lap and happily shared with them. I was so moved by her kindness, I snapped a picture. We became instant friends. She was my "person" and I was hers. Whenever we needed someone for our boys we knew we could call on each other. Our boys brought us together. I can still hear her voice. I'll miss her big smile and her bright eyes. When I took this picture, I never knew it would someday be my greatest treasure. The morning I got the phone call literally brought me to my knees. My heart hurts so much for Phoenix, for Jim who lost his fiancé, and for her parents who lost their daughter. It still doesn't seem real. I miss her terribly. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers as they try to navigate this life without you.

Phoenix, I want you to know that Landen and our family will always be here for you. It's because of you that I was blessed to have known your mom and was able to call her my friend.

Posted by Crystal & Jeremy Naftzger

June 17, 2017

Janet Schales

When I interviewed Lisa for a teaching job at my school, I realized right away that she was special. It didn't take long for staff and students to fall in love with her. She was enthusiastic, friendly, and caring---and she was a great teacher!
Lisa's leadership abilities were recognized by her superiors, and she was soon offered a management position. She occupied the office next to mine for 3 years. I got to know Lisa well. Her home was always open for a Friday afternoon happy hour. And after a hard week, we spent many hours, rehashing and trying to see the humor in everything that had happened.
Ms. B's office was often visited by students seeking advice and comfort. She was a second Mom to many if those kids.
Her office was also home to stray critters. She always knew how to take care of them---whether it was a puppy or a bearded dragon.
Her compassion for people and animals was boundless. She was a shinning star, and I'm am honored to have known her.
Leann, Frank, Phoenix, and all who loved her...my deepest condolences. I share your loss. May God bless and comfort you.

June 16, 2017

Chris n Cody White

One year ago tonight we were enjoying a night together with our boys at the Kings Co Fair. Phoenix had just buried his Dad less than a month previously. I've been consumed with grief, concern and sadness since hearing of Lisa's passing.
Phoenix; Sorry for your loss is such an understatement, this is just devasting. I know you will remain in the hearts and prayers of many as you move forward. I wish we could take away all your pain and sadness.
Lisa and I met thru our boys both attending Kings Christian. It didn't take us long to realize we loved many of the same things; sons, guns, horses and vino, just to name a few. She was very likable and welcoming front the start, as we were the "newbies" to KCS. Our boys shared play dates back and forth. I guess Lisa and I now have an standing date to share a glass (bottle) of wine together. I'm sorry we never got to it. Why do we let life get in the way of living?
I had the opportunity to meet her Mom and Frank one afternoon and we had such a nice visit poolside. And of course Jim, his girls and adorable Emory. My heart, thoughts and prayers will continue to cover you all. Phoenix, we are here for you 24/7/365

Posted by Chris n Cody White

June 16, 2017

Gloria Young

Leann,
We feel honored to have met Lisa. She was so lovely and vivacious, like you. Steve and I send our heart felt condolences to you and Frank.
Love,
Gloria

June 16, 2017

My dear adopted daughter Lisa, when Dan brought you home from college. our whole family fell in love with a new member. Friendship, love, trip to your wedding,trips to each others homes, then little Phoenix came along. Dan and Vance finally had the sister they wanted. My heart is broken that your gone. My thoughts and prayers are with all that loved her. Thinking of our little Phoenix, God Bless and keep you safe in his arms. Love Mom Wood xxxxx

June 16, 2017

Pamela Ramirez

I am so sorry for your loss Kelly. Frank and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers Pamela and Frank Ramirez

June 16, 2017

Patty & Dick Stevens

Dick and Patty Stevens send our condolences to the Brisben family on the passing of their daughter Lisa Berggren. Our hearts and prayers are with you.

June 16, 2017

Leann, I'm so sorry for you loss of someone so young. I only knew Lisa when she was very little from seeing you play with her in your front yard across the street. Take care.
Regards,
John Kociemba

June 16, 2017

Neil and Karen Brown

We will miss Lisa and her fun-loving personality and sparkle at our holidays and gatherings in Groveland. She shared her love of animals and generous nature with everyone and was a wonderful, supportive, loving and proud mother of her son. Our hearts go out to you all in this time of sadness.

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