Lisa A. Jenkins

TROY - Lisa A. Jenkins of Troy, NY, formerly of Saugus and Lynn, MA, passed away on Friday, September 5th, in the arms of her family, following a brief illness, with love all around her. She was 62 years young.

Lisa was the loving and devoted partner of Kevin Walsh of Troy, NY, for over 28 years. Together, they built a warm and content life rooted in family. She is survived by her mother, Carol De Paolis of Saugus, and was predeceased by her beloved father, Samuel. Lisa was born and raised in Saugus and graduated with the Saugus High School class of 1981.

From a young age, she had a deep connection to the arts and a natural talent for music. She was a proud member of the 27th Lancers Drum & Bugle Corps out of Revere, MA, where she played soprano in the horn line. With the Lancers, she traveled to Lake Placid for the 1980 Olympic opening ceremonies and competed in the 1980 DCI Championship in Alabama, where they placed second in the nation. It was an experience she treasured for the rest of her life. After high school, Lisa went on to become an EMT, working for Nordstrom Ambulance Co. out of Lynn and Bay State Ambulance Co. out of Malden.

But more than anything, Lisa wanted to be a mother. Lisa is survived by her and Kevin’s blended family: Kourtney Gallagher of Troy, NY; Michael Jenkins of Troy, NY; Kelli Avila and husband John of Boston, MA; Katelin Jenkins of Pembroke, MA; Kasssandra Holmes and Alex of Lubec, ME; Caitrin Friend and husband Colin of Durham, NC; and John Walsh and wife Jillian of Weymouth, MA.

Her children were the heart of her life. Lisa passed down her creative spirit to her family simply by being herself. She brought her endless imagination into the everyday, always finding room for music, art, and any excuse to celebrate a holiday as fully as she could. It’s a gift her family now carries forward in their own lives.

Her artistic talent lived on long after her children grew up. She poured love into crocheting and crafting for her grandchildren, creating sweaters, hats, scarves, and baby blankets as her way of wrapping them in care. She also volunteered to make hats and blankets to babies in the NICU, offering warmth to families she would never meet. Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Nina,” a name she always held with pride. She will be forever missed by her grandchildren: Olivia, 23; twins Sophia and Richard, 15; Lilia, 11; Joaquin, 10; Annie, 9; Claire, 5; Jameson, 5; Owen, 4; Harper, 3; Lena, 3; and Graham, 2. Her first great-grandson is due this month. 

She also leaves behind her brother Michael De Paolis and his wife Ellen; her sister Robin Furtado and husband Robert; her brother Thomas and his partner Carmen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Lisa’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11 am at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY. A calling hour will precede from 10 am to 11 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

To leave a special message for the family or a memory of Lisa, please click on the guestbook link below