With profound love and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Lisa Marie (Coultas) Shoemaker, age 57, who left this world peacefully on November 8, 2025, in Ventura, California, surrounded by her family after a courageous 27-year battle with breast cancer.
Lisa was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose strength and compassion touched every life she encountered. Her perseverance and grace throughout her long journey with cancer were nothing short of inspirational. She faced every challenge with quiet determination and an unwavering focus on caring for others before herself.
Born on May 8, 1968, in Oxnard, California, Lisa grew up on the family ranch. She was a 1986 graduate of Santa Clara High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge, in 1991. She was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected youth in Ventura County. Lisa dedicated her time and energy to supporting other cancer patients and she was a source of hope and encouragement to many.
She worked for many years in human resources and ended her career with the Ventura County Community College District. Lisa found joy in reading, music, exploring new places, and spending time among the majestic redwoods—her favorite sanctuary of peace and reflection. Whether traveling near or far, she embraced every moment with gratitude.
Her greatest joy, however, came from her family and friends. She was the heart of her home and the glue that held everyone together. Her laughter filled rooms, her kindness lifted spirits, and her selflessness left an imprint that will never fade.
Lisa is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Kenneth Shoemaker; their sons, Myles (Peyton) and Morgan; her cherished grandchildren, Bentley, Cooper, and Penelope Shoemaker; her loving mother, Barbara Augustine; her devoted father, William Coultas; and her caring stepmother, Jan Coultas. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Dolores Shoemaker; her siblings, Kristin Corsentino (Joseph) and Ryan Coultas (Wesley); her brother-in-law, Ronald Shoemaker (Mary); her sisters-in-law, Kathy Palomares (Joe) and Donna Harwood (Tim); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who became family over the years. Lisa was joyfully anticipating the arrival of a new grandbaby.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William and Dorothy Burke, and Robert and Bernadine McGrath Coultas; her father-in-law, Dorsey Shoemaker; her uncle, William Burke; and her cherished cousin, Timothy Coultas.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lynn Kong and Dr. Thomas Fogel for providing Lisa with exceptional care throughout her 27-year journey with cancer. We are forever grateful to the wonderful nurses at the Infusion Center for their compassion and support.
A Mass and celebration of her life will be held on November 22 at Sacred Heart Church at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her honor to breast cancer research.
Though she is gone from our sight, her spirit remains ever-present—in the whisper of the trees, the pages of a well-loved book, and the smiles of those she loved most.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.