Lisa Marino was a funny, beautiful, brilliant, and inspirational woman as well as an adored wife, beloved daughter, cherished sister, idolized aunt, and highly-regarded physician. She entered into eternal life on 13 April 2015. She left us far too soon, having made the world a better place for 40 years.
Born with cystic fibrosis, doctors told her parents she would not live to see adolescence. They encouraged her not to push too hard. Instead of heeding that advice, Lisa lived an amazing life filled with passion and joy. She attended St. Joseph’s University and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned a residency and fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania in a field she truly enjoyed.
Of all the places she lived, Lisa liked Philadelphia and Southampton (NJ) the most. Among the many things she loved were her animals: one crazy dog, four barn cats, three horses, and thousands of honey bees, all on the farm she shared with her husband. Her smile was a thing of beauty and her laugh infectious. She enjoyed cooking, watching football, and taking naps. She loved playing with her nieces, nephews and god-children. She made others smile. She had a hell of a temper. She was a living, breathing miracle.
Lisa was the recipient of numerous honors and the author of articles, but distinctions never mattered much to her. Her patients loved her on account of the fact she gave everyone the time and attention they needed. As such, she was usually running late. Lisa was a great doctor because she was a great person. She was also a woman of immense faith. Lisa’s spirituality was rooted in gratitude, hope, and a lot of prayer. Lisa never once used her illness as an excuse. She appreciated every day. She loved deeply. Her life was a study in grace, generosity, compassion, humility, and dignity.
The Two Hawks Foundation has been established in her honor. Please follow Lisa’s example, be generous to those in need, laugh as much as possible, and love with all your heart.
