Lisa Marie Chutjian, age 62, departed peacefully on April 10, 2023, after a very brief battle with cancer. She was born in Central Falls, RI to Helene and Melkon Chutjian.
During her lifetime, Lisa worked for numerous charities and nonprofits, such as Catholic Charities, the Archdiocese of Miami, Take Stock in Children, and, up until her passing, for The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She adored her time at AG Bell, often sharing her fundraising and partnership triumphs and how much she loved the impact she made in the lives of deaf children and their families.
Lisa loved good music, good books, puzzles, and any kind of cerebral board game. She also loved to dance, travel, go shopping, and spend days on her lanai, taking care of her orchids. Being outdoors, spending time with family and having deep conversations while sitting on her lanai brought Lisa the utmost joy. She was kind and generous to everyone she encountered and always left a lasting impression. She led a life devoted to God and remained an active member of the Catholic Church.
Much of Lisa’s life was dedicated to raising her six children, all of whom made her so very proud; her friends would often hear her bragging about each child’s accomplishments. Her children knew her as fun, patient, resilient, inspiring, supportive, and the best mother anyone could have. There was never any doubt of Lisa’s unconditional love for her children. Yet her love extended far beyond her own kids as Lisa served as a surrogate parent to all of their friends, too, taking on roles as a mentor, guide, confidante, or just a shoulder to lean or cry on. Even while raising these six children (and their friends) on her own, Lisa went back to college at 44 years old, earned her bachelor’s degree, and flourished in her career.
In 1998, Lisa’s mother, Helene, moved to Florida to assist Lisa in caring for her children. But in 2000, Helene fell ill. Lisa became the primary caretaker of her mother as well, until Helene’s passing in 2020. Lisa never wavered in her devotion to her mother or her children, and always emphasized the importance of family.
Over the last few years, Lisa began her transition from “Mom” back to “Lisa”. She moved back to Florida from Washington, D.C., to live near her best friend and sister, Jennifer, as they neared retirement. She purchased her first home in 2021, and lived alone for the first time in her life. She also became a Nana in June 2022 – a title she was absolutely thrilled to have. She could not start a conversation with anyone – stranger, friend, or family – without mentioning her grandson. Lisa had big plans and her family is heartbroken that this part of her journey was cut short.
Lisa is survived by her two brothers, Mark Chutjian and Matthew Chutjian, her sister, Jennifer Wyatt, her six children, Maggie Pinto, Sarah Pinto, Ari Chutjian, Leah Pinto, Karissa Peralta, and Helene (Rachelle) Pinto, and her grandson, Jacob Peralta, all of whom miss her terribly already.
Please join in celebrating Lisa’s life.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Naples Funeral Home, Inc. (3107 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104).
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Naples, FL (7775 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34120).
She will be laid to rest that same day at 2:00 p.m. at Lee Memorial Park in Fort Myers, FL (12777 FL-82, Lehigh Acres, FL 33973).
A repast will follow at her daughter’s home (806 Uka Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33913).
Please address deliveries to the family to 806 Uka Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33913.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Lisa’s honor to AG Bell at agbell.org/donate.
Amanda Brown
August 28, 2023, 12:09 pm
I had the opportunity to meet Lisa in 2019 through my colleague Tilak Ratnanather. She advocated for the deaf-hard-of-hearing community in a deep and enduring manner. It was an honor for me to have had this opportunity however brief to be in her orbit. Though my heart aches, and I shed tears as I just learned of her passing, I know her impact will reverberate for years to come.
Barbara Cipolla
August 28, 2023, 12:09 pm
Lisa was such a blessing to our family. She assisted and encouraged me as mom of a hearing-impaired son. Her kindness will always be remembered and conversations with her cherished. I will lifting all of her loved ones in prayer for peace and comfort.
Barbara, Will Cipolla’s mom.
Kim, Marty, Marsha, Joe, Bobby and Jordan
August 28, 2023, 12:10 pm
We only met Lisa once, but we have seen her strength, character and heart through the eyes of her daughter, Leah, whom we are blessed to work with.
Alvaro
August 28, 2023, 12:10 pm
We normally see and admire treetops, her leaves and flowers. What we don’t see is her roots. Lisa’s roots live on through her family – her light/love.
Johanna Cabanas
August 28, 2023, 12:10 pm
To the entire Pinto family and in loving memory of Lisa Chutjian. May she Rest in Peace and in the hearts of her loved ones forever. God Bless Lisa!
Heather Stombaugh
August 28, 2023, 12:11 pm
Lisa, I will always remember our chats fondly. Your spirit lives on in the thousands of lives you touched – including mine. Blessed be, friend.
Tracy, Carol, Ann & Michael
August 28, 2023, 12:11 pm
Jen, Mark, Matt and Lisa’s beautiful family, We are so sorry we cant be there with you today. Lisa will remain in our hearts forever. With Love,
Elena Eimert
August 28, 2023, 12:11 pm
Lisa was steady and strong and shining. She was so active in her care – witnessing her interactions with her family (and her plants) was a lesson in how to love. She was funny and wry. Her children are a credit to her and she was so incredibly proud of them. It was a blessing to cross her path.
Jodi Pearl
August 28, 2023, 12:12 pm
I had the pleasure of knowing Lisa from our involvement with the Grant Professionals Association. We would always have fun at the conferences, laughing and having a good time. I will remember her fondly.
Matt her little brother
August 28, 2023, 12:12 pm
Lisa invited me to DC while attending GWU. At 14, the trip and was more than memorable. It was our nation’s 200th anniversary. To say the city was abuzz and her friends were were fun and welcoming for a kid. The fireworks, celebration and hanging out with my college sister is time together I will always cherish. That and the Doobie Brothers concert in Cape Cod. I’m glad we all reconnected after mom passed. Time is short and I will miss my big sister.
Marion Little
August 28, 2023, 12:12 pm
Growing up with Lisa as my cousin was so special to me. When we got together we we would have so much fun and laughter. I will always cherish the good times we had. Marion Little
Abby Cynamon
August 28, 2023, 12:13 pm
I had the pleasure of getting to know Lisa and her wonderful children when she worked at the Miami Museum of Science. I have many fond memories from that time, including our daughters taking sailing classes together. We lost touch with each other as our kids grew up, but I always admired Lisa for her spirit, her drive and her incredible parenting skills. One is never truly gone from this earth as long as there is someone alive who remembers them. Lisa lives on in the memories of her children, grandchild, extended family and friends. We send our deepest sympathies to the entire family. With love, Abby, Jeff, Greta and Ben Cynamon
Kathryn Toahty
August 28, 2023, 12:13 pm
Lisa was an amazing, beautiful woman. She has the most amazing children, one whom I consider family. I was blessed to hang out with her and her family when we lived in Florida.
She will forever be missed and leaves behind a legacy of blessings to our world in the communities they live in.
Praying over the family and her friends during this time, sending so much love.
Barbara Martino
August 28, 2023, 12:13 pm
I shared a memory both photo & story on the Social Solo group page & in a card i’ m sending to her home in care of her family.
Lisa was the most responsive & active vocalizers on our group page. She was so life engaged !
We shared a the movie, Father Stu shortly after my brother’s passing. I was heaving….Lisa was cooly observing. She also carried wisdom & grace.
The rest is in my card.
Courage & Love to All of You
barbara Martino
Debbie
August 28, 2023, 12:14 pm
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family.
Debbie Morrisette