Lisa Houllahan

MERCER – Lisa Houllahan, 65, died on Dec. 22, 2024, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on May 14, 1959, in Augusta to Dr. John and Donna Murch. She grew up in Windsor and graduated from Cony High School in 1977.

Lisa’s passion for nursing led her to pursue higher education, earning an associate’s in nursing from the University of Maine Augusta in 1983, followed by a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Southern Maine in 1998. She spent much of her career as a psychiatric nurse at Kennebec Behavioral Health, where she was deeply committed to supporting children’s mental health and well-being. Lisa’s dedication to providing compassionate care left a lasting impact on many of the children and families she served.

In addition to her nursing career, Lisa had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed a variety of activities that reflected her adventurous spirit. She was an avid hunter and fisherman, and took great pride in having harvested three moose. Whether she was at her camp, swimming, snowmobiling in the winter, or building stone walls, Lisa loved being outside and staying active. Her passion for gardening was evident in the many flower gardens she carefully tended throughout her life. Lisa also had a special fondness for pigs and a talent for sewing and quilting. In the kitchen, she was a skilled baker, best known for her delicious pies and yeast rolls.

Lisa’s light, positive energy, and uplifting spirit were felt by everyone around her. She was known for her vibrant personality and ability to make those around her smile. Her contagious laugh could instantly lighten the mood. Her warmth, positivity, and playful spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Lisa was a loving mother to three children, Josh Hayward and his wife Nichole, Jennifer Hayward, and Johnny Houllahan. She also cherished her grandchildren, Bradley and Abbegail Hayward.

She is survived by her longtime partner, Jeff Ryder, and his children, Elizabeth Tracy and husband Josh, and Courtney Ryder; and his grandchildren, Annie, Jameson, and Sawyer Tracy. As well as her siblings Jeff Murch and his wife Claudette, Diana Osberg, and Glenna Snively and her husband Scott. Lisa was also an aunt to Garrett Murch and his wife Andrea, Aubree Harris, Samantha Held and her husband Matthew, Braedon Snively, Ian Snively, and Yemaya McLaury.

She will be missed by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

The family would like to thank Maine General Hospice, Elizabeth Tracy, Cheryl and Courtney Ryder, and her best friend, Patty Dumas, for their many hours of help, as well as her partner, Jeff Ryder, for keeping Lisa in her home throughout her Alzheimer’s journey.

Family and friends are invited to Lisa’s Celebration of Life from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, at The American Legion Fitzgerald-Cummings Post 2, 7 Legion Drive, Augusta. The celebration will be a potluck, and attendees are encouraged to bring a dish that reminds them of Lisa or something that represents the warmth and love she shared with others. We hope to gather in the spirit of togetherness and community as we honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Lisa Houllahan to Pine Tree Camp or the Alzheimer’s Association.