Lisa E. Canale

Lisa E. Canale, the true heart of her family and a beacon of unconditional love to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2026 at 67 years old. Lisa drew her final breaths surrounded by the family she adored.

Born on October 28, 1958, in Astoria, NY, she was the cherished daughter of the late Erminie Melillo and James Francis Copeland, and later step-daughter to the late Dominic Melillo.

She grew up in Smithtown, Long Island enjoying gymnastics and adopting stray pets. Lisa’s life changed forever when she met her husband, Michael. Though they met in high school, Lisa loved to playfully tell people she noticed him in middle school. They were married on October 3, 1982, embarking on a beautiful 43-year journey together. Together, they built a warm, welcoming home in the Flemington, NJ area, where they rooted their lives for over forty years.

Lisa’s professional life was a reflection of her profound empathy. With a bachelor’s degree and a deep passion for special education, she dedicated herself to supporting preschoolers with unique needs as a paraprofessional at Three Bridges School. Lisa had a rare gift for reaching children who needed extra support, guiding them to flourish with her extraordinary patience and gentle encouragement. Through her work, she left an indelible legacy of love on countless young lives.

Away from work, Lisa found beauty in the quiet corners of the world. She was a woman of many talents, most notably capturing the vibrant colors of life through her many passions including gardening, stenciling, watercolor painting, traveling, and music. Her gentle spirit extended to her love for nature—she found immense joy in tending to her plants, watching birds, and cuddling her cherished canine companion, Ginger.

Yet, of all her roles, none brought her greater happiness than being “Mom” and "Nana." Her children and granddaughters were her world, and her life was brightest when filled with their laughter, joy, and wonder.

Lisa’s warmth and wisdom live on in her beloved husband, Michael; her loving daughter, Jen Dillon, and son-in-law, Matt Dillon; her devoted son, Phil Canale, and daughter-in-law, Gilbey Reilly; and her precious granddaughters, Evelyn Jade Dillon and Josephine Sage Dillon. She is also survived by her siblings, who held a special place in her heart: Brian Copeland and his wife Kathy, Barbara Russo and her husband Lee, and Jimmy Copeland, alongside a large, vibrant extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and lifelong friends. Every relationship Lisa held, whether bound by blood or by choice, was nurtured by her unyielding support.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate Lisa’s remarkable, love-filled life at a Memorial Gathering on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St, Flemington, NJ 08822. A eulogy service celebrating her legacy will follow at 3:00 PM. Interment in Saint Magdalen Cemetery will take place privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, honoring Lisa’s lifelong dedication to helping children with unique challenges, and a desire to help others who should not have to face a disease diagnosis marathon of hope with years of uncertainty, wondering, tests, treatments and waiting, memorial contributions may be made to the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation (https://udnf.org/donate/). Lisa was robbed of her incredible smile and subsequently a uniquely special quality of playfulness far too young and would not want this to happen to others. This foundation provides hope to others with rare diseases.

For further information or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.