School community mourns loss of beloved teacher

Her funeral was held 11 days later on Thursday, January 18, at St Brendan’s Church, Shepparton.

The eulogy was read by her nephew, Xavier Di Petta, who spoke about her passions and loving personality.

“Lisa had a remarkable sense of humour, one that could lighten the heaviest of hearts,” he said.

“Her laughter was infectious, and she had a unique ability to find joy in the simplest of things.

“She was quick to lend a helping hand to those in need and had a heart that was open to all.

“Her generosity was not just in the material things she gave but in the time and love she shared with those around her.”

Her kindness in her personal life also translated to her work, being a primary school teacher for almost 40 years, 24 of which she spent at Guthrie St Primary School.

“In her professional life as a teacher, Lisa was not just successful; she was exceptional,” Xavier said.

“Her dedication to teaching was evident in the countless lives she touched and the compassion she showed to her students.

“She had a gift for making people feel cared for and valued, not just as students but as individuals with stories to tell.”

Lisa’s daughter Georgia shared a similar sentiment.

“I could talk for hours and hours about my mum,” Georgia said.

“She was born to be a mother; she’s my role model and my inspiration, and I’m grateful to have had her as my mum.

“She really enjoyed being in the classroom, and Dad really emphasised that she was just really destined to be a mother and a teacher.

“She was passionate about the children and their wellbeing.

“She was the best partner to Dad and the second mother to so many.”

Lisa’s passion for teaching and caring for her students left a profound impact on her niece, Olivia Di Petta, who was inspired to begin her journey into the profession.

“Aunty Lisa wasn’t just a source of joy in my childhood; she became a guiding light in my career,” Olivia said.

“During high-school work experience [at Guthrie St Primary School], I witnessed how she turned teaching into a rewarding, fun and enjoyable experience.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to learn from the absolute best.

“At 23 years old today, standing here ... I strive to be half the teacher Aunty Lisa was.”

Olivia spoke at Lisa’s funeral, stating that her aunt would be with her in every class she taught and every lesson she planned.

“Aunty Lisa, you’ve not just been a teacher; you’ve been my inspiration. As I continue on my journey as an educator, I carry your legacy with me,” Olivia said.

“On my first day of teaching, I know you’ll be in the room there to guide me through.

“I love you, and though you may no longer be with us physically, I find solace in knowing that you’ll forever be my guiding angel through life.”

Her love for caring was also highlighted by her school’s principal, Brendan Bicknell.

“Lisa started at Guthrie 24 years ago and I’ve known her for the best part of 22 years,” he said.

“She nurtured the student, and not only did she build good relationships with the children, but she also had good connections with the parents.

“In particular, the kids who were disadvantaged; she built strong links with them and made a special effort to make them enjoy their time at school.”

He acknowledged the hard work she had put into her time at the school and the struggle it would be to fill her shoes.

“There’s certainly a void to fill at the school, which will be really hard,” he said.

“It’s strange to come into work and not see her bubbly smile and personality, a hard change in our environment.”

Ange Grumley, who also worked with Lisa, said she was a staple of the school community.

“She was so community-minded,” Ange said.

“She always listened and had great life advice, always.

“When we first started working together, she was like my big sister.”

At Lisa’s funeral, her husband, Craig, had prepared a recorded message for his wife, expressing not only his love but his admiration for her.

“Forty or so years we have been together. We first met back in the early ’80s; she was my lighting girl at Pinki’s; this May, we would have been married 38 years,” Craig said.

“Lisa was the matriarch who spoilt us all, and she did everything, and all she ever wanted to be was a mum and a nanna.

“Her kindness knew no bounds; she’d buy food for the homeless on her supermarket runs, and pay for their groceries when they had no money at the checkout.

“Lisa will also live on in others, too; she has already saved four folks in need as an organ donor.

“Two have her kidneys, and another two have bits of her heart.”

In his eulogy, Xavier also spoke about Lisa’s kindness, emphasising that her life was worth celebrating.

“As we mourn Lisa’s passing, we also celebrate the life she lived and the love she gave,” he said.

“She may be physically gone, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

“Let us remember her not with tears of sadness but with smiles of gratitude for the time we had with her.”

Lisa leaves behind her husband, Craig, children Georgia and Jesse-Ray and two grandchildren, Sonny-Ray and Audrey.

Vale Lisa Veysey.