Honoring Tradition.
Celebrating Life.
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Lisa Phillips

June 21, 1976 - October 21, 2015
Vinton, VA

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Visitation

Monday, October 26, 2015
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Monday, October 26, 2015
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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A gentle soul, Lisa Phillips was a loving woman who was generous towards others. Although Lisa had her ups and downs, she loved completely at every opportunity. While some are given what seems to be a multitude of days, some are taken much too soon from love’s embrace for reasons we struggle to understand. Lisa’s days were few in comparison, yet her memory lives on in the hearts of many. And to those who knew her best, Lisa’s sweet and loving nature will be what is remembered most.

The decade of the seventies was a turning point in the culture of America. Improved technology and the sophistication of household goods offered greater freedom and saved time. In entertainment, the movie, Rocky won an academy award for best picture, while lava lamps, big bell jeans and mod styles were all the rage. The eight track player was a step up from vinyl records, and punk rock made its introduction to the music scene. In 1976, while the nation celebrated the U.S. Bicentennial, Gord and Marcia (Visser) Cappendyk celebrated a wonderful addition to their family when on September 3, 1976, they lovingly adopted their little girl, Lisa Jo into their hearts.

Born on June 21, 1976, Lisa was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan alongside her brother and sister, Todd and Lynnae. At the young age of 18 months old, Lisa was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disorder which necessitated Lisa’s dependence on medication well into her adulthood. Throughout her life, she was plagued by medical issues. Even so, Lisa tried to enjoy a typical childhood filled with the love of family and adventures. She attended West Side Christian and Kenowa Hills schools before graduating from Grand Rapids Public Schools.

Lisa’s love for animals was clearly evident, especially cats and dogs. Her favorite cat was Casper, and even though he was all black, she named him for the white ghost, cartoon character. Barkley her dog was never far from her side growing up, and she lovingly named him after a Sesame Street character. Lisa had a love for crafts. She particularly enjoyed beading, cross stitch and jewelry making. An avid reader, too, Lisa was fond of mysteries and books in reference to the supernatural. When it came to baking, Lisa knew the way to her dad’s heart. She loved to cook and bake, and every Christmas she enjoyed indulging him with delicious muffins, cookies and all things sweet for Christmas.

Following high school, Lisa held a variety of jobs. While volunteering at Gold Avenue Chapel on Grand Rapid’s' west side, she came to know Carl Phillips. They dated for about a year and in time they were joined in marriage. To their union they welcomed two children into their lives with the births of David and Ambrosia, but sadly her marriage eventually came to an end. Lisa was later blessed with another daughter, Alexandria, and after having lost two other children in infancy, she had much to be thankful for.

Throughout the years, Lisa struggled with the highs and lows of her unrelenting health condition. Often difficult to regulate and quite frustrating, she forged on in life the best she knew how. Lisa later met James Lewis while in Kalamazoo and together they moved to the Roanoke, Virginia area in 2014. It was while trying to make a life there where Lisa sadly died due to medical complications. Although taken much too soon, Lisa was a sweet and gentle hearted woman who will be deeply missed and remembered.

Lisa Jo (Cappendyk) Phillips, age 39, left this world to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 21, 2015. She is survived by her children, David, Ambrosia “Amber” and Alexandria “Lexi”; her parents, Gord and Marcia Cappendyk; her brother, Todd; her sister, Lynnae (Andy) Bukala; her paternal grandmother, Margaret Cappendyk and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also survived by her friends in Virginia, James Lewis and Barbara Sharp. Funeral services for Lisa will be held Monday, October 26, 2015, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet her family for one hour prior to the service on Monday. To share a favorite memory of Lisa and to sign her online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.

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