Miss Elisabetta Domenica Pizzola

Elisabetta Domenica Pizzola, "Lisa" 76 of Cortland, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Born December 19, 1948 in Roccacasale, Italy, Lisa was the daughter of Antonio and Francesca (Liberatore) Pizzola. Lisa immigrated to the United States in 1958 at the age of 9 and was a Cortland resident for the rest of her life. Lisa graduated from Cortland High School in 1968, and BOCES in 1969 as a licensed cosmetologist - a career she treasured for more than 50 years. Her salon, Lisa’s Beauty Shop, located at 180 S. Main Street and later 8 S. Franklin Street, with her brother, Victor, was a haven for self care and lasting friendship. Every client who sat in her chair was special. Lisa was a dedicated daughter, sister and aunt, enjoying time with family above all else. Whether teaching generations to bake family cookie recipes, playing cards or sharing stories, her love knew no bounds. She was the family anchor and with her sister, Cesaria, created a home open to all. Lisa had a smile that lit up a room, and a personality that made anyone feel loved. Her lasting advice for the generations who will carry on her legacy of love, “Never refuse money or food,” and “You take care of you.” Lisa was a faithful communicant of St. Anthony’s Church where she served as a eucharistic minister. St. Anthony's Festival was among her favorite traditions where she shared her famous Italian cookies. Her secret for how long to cook Pizzelles? “One Our Father and two Hail Mary’s.” Even through her illness Lisa found the good, always grateful to God for the blessings he bestowed upon her, especially family and friends, “Tutto per la Famiglia.” Lisa was a proud member of the Stella D’Oro Lodge 1730 and St. Anthony’s Altar Society. She also served on the Board of Directors of Access to Independence of Cortland County, Inc. Lisa is survived by her sister Cesaria Pizzola, sisters-in-law Angela Pizzola, Carmela Pizzola and Lila Pizzola, and her nieces and nephews who she treated like sons and daughters, Francesca (Joseph) Higgins, Anthony (Deborah) Pizzola, Michael (Mika) Pizzola, Nicholas (Susan) Pizzola, Maria (Mike) Dafoe, Victor (Lorrie) Pizzola and great nieces and nephews Andrea Higgins (Jacob Waller), Kate (Garrett) Plunkett, Joseph (Jessica) Higgins, Crista Pizzola, Marina (Jeff) Prince, Adrianna Pizzola (Allison Dolzonek), Sophia and Nina Pizzola, Alexandria and Lukas Pizzola, Sierra and Anthony Pizzola and great-great nieces and nephews Jacob and Jiana Higgins, Jada Pascalli, Lincoln and Bennett Plunkett, Adrian and Elora Prince. In addition to her parents, Lisa was preceded in death by an infant brother Gennaro, and brothers Gennaro, Michele and Vittorio Pizzola, and her beloved niece and goddaughter Frances Pizzola. The family will receive condolences on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm at St. Anthony's Church, Pomeroy St. Cortland, NY, a mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately following at 12:00pm. Prayers of committal will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Lisa's memory to any of the following: Access to Independence 26 N. Main St. Cortland, NY 13045, St. Anthony’s Church 50 Pomeroy St. Cortland, NY 13045, or Hospicare and Palliative Care Services 172 E. King St., Ithaca, NY14850.

Miss Elisabetta Domenica Pizzola

December 19, 1948 - January 18, 2025