I am sorry to hear of Lisa's passing.  She was such a lovely person.  She was my TA when I was at the U.  My condolences to her family.

I was saddened to hear of Lisa's passing.  I knew her through her thoughtful work bringing the world to K-12 students and teachers.  Her legacy lives on. My deepest condolences to her loved ones and her colleagues.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Lisa’s illness and her passing and want to extend to you, Aman, and your family our condolences.  Lisa’s intelligence, compassion, enthusiasm for life, love for her family and joy in living have made memories of her very special. Her smile was a gift to all.  



How many times have we shared presentations at social studies conferences, here in Arizona and across the country? Lisa was a gift to educators, with her special resources on teaching about the Middle East when  they was most needed. She was a genrous scholar and colleague.Rest in peace, Lisa. You will be missed.
Syd Golston

Dear Lisa was one of those special people that make a great impact on you in a short period of time. I’ve known Lisa since our children were little, we visited back and forth between Sierra Vista and Houston.  I got much closer to her in the past 5-6 years when we started traveling together. Being on adventures with Lisa and Aman were some of my most enjoyable times. Lisa was one of the most kind, generous, and sincere people I have ever known. She cared about everyone around her and everyone far away. Any one that knew her knew that Aman, Bobby, Shawn, and Ross were everything to her. She was so proud of them and so proud to be their wife and mother. She always had a story to tell about what they were up to. Her other loves of course were travel and learning. You couldn’t ask for a better travel companion than Lisa- no one could make an itinerary like her. She was so interested and knowledgeable about so much. I will treasure our many adventures together for always and will miss her dearly. May everyone that loved her keep her in their hearts and memories.

The following was my response to Lisa upon reading her email of 12/6/20:

I just read this and I’m sending you love and hugs.  You’ve been on my list to contact for some time and now I know why.

I am going to share a few thoughts:

1)  Meeting you at the NCSS conference (Austin): 
There were several sessions that appealed to me within the time frame in which you were presenting.  I asked around and every educator I encountered directed me to your session:  It went something like this:  "you are the real deal -- the opportunities you shared with teachers were off the charts" -- and, having been on your list for just over a year, I couldn't agree more;

2) My plans for our CA Global Ed/Stan State website:
Because your outreach efforts are so comprehensive...and I didn't want to expropriate your work; I had planned to add "Lisa's corner" -- a place on our website with a direct link to the wonderful opportunities you CONSISTENTLY cultivate -- your work is exceptional;

3) I have been singing your praises to ALL of the teacher in my network who have expressed in interest in the Middle East... .they joined because there is so much value in what you bring to this work;

4) I have been a globally minded teacher for most of my career and I have never seen Title VI coordinator, go above and beyond to ensure that teachers get important information in timely fashion.

Since attending NCSS, I chatted with you once, this summer.  While I wasn't able to recruit teachers to adopt virtual exchange this year, I was so impressed with the program you co-created with your colleague in North Carolina.  I appreciated your generosity in sharing the names of applicants who might be interested in working with teachers in the US.

In that same conversation, you spoke about your sons; one was a police officer and you shared your concern for his safety.  I hope you'll spend your days with family and loved ones by your side.

You are an amazing educator and an inspiration.

There are some people you meet in your life who really have a positive impact. Lisa was one of those. She smiled. She reached out to help. She was a plethora of knowledge and passion. I worked on several projects with Lisa as she reached out to those of us in international education at the Maricopa Community Colleges, and I can attest to her passion, hard work, and genuinely positive nature. She will be missed. My condolences to her family. Please know that she made a difference in her life and that the spirit of everything about her that I described above lives on in us and the work we do.

Lisa Adeli was a force of nature as an educator. She cared for her students, for the teachers she served, and for the people and places in the world whose lives and stories she worked to share with educators in a full and enlightening manner. We educators and outreach professionals owe Lisa an enduring debt of gratitude for her leadership among us, for her intellectual work in writing and disseminating sound curriculum, and for her mentorship and shining example as a teacher.

I had the pleasure of knowing Lisa for several years.  She was truly a professional and had a heart of gold.  I was fortunate to travel with her to the Balkans on a Fulbright and to work with her on several conferences.  She also spoke twice for Genocide Awareness Week.  Lisa is someone I'll not only miss professionally, but someone I'll miss personally.  She was a good educator, a good organizer, a good director, and she was truly a good person.  My sincerest and deepest sympathies to her family, friends and colleagues.  The world was a better place because of Lisa.  

It has been hard writing anything, because I couldn't find the words to describe our relationship and all the feelings involved in it and I couldn’t possibly wrap our 34 years friendship in few phrases. Somehow, it was easier to just sit and cry than to do this.
I remember the first time I met Lisa; she made me feel very comfortable and instantly I knew I had an amazing friend for life.
I will always remember the special times we spent together, our travels, our heart to heart talks, laughs and tears, and above all talking about our children and families. Lisa was one of the most generous women I have ever met. She was always lending a hand to others and reaching out when they were in need
She showed me that no matter how hard life can be, we must all learn from it every day and embrace every moment of it.
There is no one in this world like her. 
She was one of my closest and dearest friends, and I miss her greatly.

Dr. Lisa Adeli was a brilliant teacher, kind mentor, and a stunning coordinator of opportunities for teachers. I remember her as someone who was easy to talk to, an intellectual with a sense of humor. I first met Lisa when I was student teaching at Buena High School.  At that time and after I was hired, she was welcoming and gracious to myself and all her colleagues. When Lisa went to work for the U of A she left me her Honors World History classes and the National History Day Competition, eventually we got to hang out in the DC area as we were both chaperoning students who made it to the national competition. Like many others, I benefited from being on her list serve where she shared travel opportunities for teachers. Lisa was the co-leader for a trip to the Balkans I was extremely fortunate to be selected for in 2017. Conversations with Lisa were always interesting and covered a wide range of topics. We talked about history, politics, food, education, cool restaurants, people we know, food again,  and MOST importantly our families. Lisa Adeli made a positive impact in the academic community while being devoted to her family. Lisa leaves a legacy of tolerance, love, brilliance, and integrity. May we all strive to continue it. 

I was devastated to hear the news of the passing of Lisa Adeli. I haven't known Lisa for a long time. We met on an online program named "TCAB Program ", an online workshop for connecting teachers across borders. Lisa was an amazing person, a dedicated scholar and a great mentor. We shared so many things throughout the online program and zoom meetings. She was thoughtful, hardworking and very passionate and supportive. 
I want to thank you for the great opportunity to be a part of this amazing experience. 
May your beautiful soul rest in peace. 

I first met Lisa at a Community College Humanities Association conference in Baltimore Maryland several years ago and had the pleasure of learning from her and many others at the  NEH Summer Institute in Tucson in 2019. I will greatly miss her gentle spirit, sense of humor and commitment to supporting and encouraging students and educators.

What a tender soul and fountain of learning.
I was privileged to be in a group to Oman with her.  She loved her boys, family and her work.  Just looking at her, one could see the joy radiating when she was learning or teaching.
My deep condolences and comfort to the family.

Lisa, 

Our time together in Palestine remains a highlight of my career. Your passion for teaching and the love and praise that you had for your sons were deeply moving.   I enjoyed sending staff from the Smithsonian to study under your tutelage and I looked forward to  working together with you again in my new post at the Library of Congress. I had no idea that our conversation a few short weeks ago would be our last.  I celebrate wonderful you, and I cherish everything that you stood for. May your spirit continue to soar.

Big Bear Hug, 

Lanisa

It's difficult to reconcile a world without Lisa. 

Lisa brought such kindness and creativity to everything she did. I miss her personally, and all of us at EIHR feel her loss as part of the team.  She brought people together. 

If you can access her Facebook account, please take a look at all of the kind thoughts on the Museum Teacher Fellowship group. Lisa touched so many lives. 

You all are in my heart. I am holding you in the Light as you grieve and  try to imagine the path ahead. 



The last time I conversed with Lisa was  in early November, when she implored me to have her as a guest speaker in my zoom class, because she "really misses teaching."  I thought all was well and she had overcome her battle with cancer. Of course she had, I thought, because Lisa is a warrior.  I'm still processing the reality of her departure. 
I've been reading the memories others have shared, and can see that she has impacted so many others, as she has my life.  I don't remember the first time I met Lisa, it was probably with ACSS or AZGA in the late 90s.  She was a teacher at Buena. I do remember that her collaborative contributions found their way in to my classroom . We've been collaborating as our professional lives intertwined in various ways across the decades.  One of our last projects, just last year, was in adapting her Middle East History curriculum for me to teach.  She was preparing me to take over - for her planned departure from teaching a high school course for university credit.  Can you imagine how daunted I felt?  Lisa laughed at that and assured me she would be there to help me. Alas, the high school history course was canceled, and I didn't teach it after all.  I am grateful that this situation gave me the opportunity to meet with her at coffee shops to pour over resources and chat about the world.  I have a flashdrive full of lessons..... and a heart full of sadness for the loss of this amazing soul.
It was very important to Lisa that National History Day continue at Cholla High School.  I will dedicate myself to the continuation of this program she began.   I regret that I waited too long to go to Bosnia with her.  
My sincere condolences to Aman and family. Thank you for sharing so generously Lisa with all of us.  Know that her work towards peace and understanding will continue to impact this world.   May Lisa's memory be a blessing  and continue to bring light to the darkness.

I had the great honor of working with Lisa and the privilege of calling her my friend. Lisa was one of the first colleagues who I called for advice when I began my position with the Middle East Studies Consortium in North Carolina six years ago… I had heard amazing things about the wonderful Lisa Adeli and hoped that she might be willing to provide me with some guidance. Lisa welcomed me into the outreach community with open arms and was so supportive of my new role. Over the years, our relationship turned into a great friendship seeing Lisa at conferences, sharing meals together, going on walks, working in the Middle East Outreach Council, and exchanging ideas over the phone, email, and then through Zoom. Lisa and I established a virtual exchange program between teachers in the United States and teachers in the Middle East this year, and I am humbled by the opportunity to continue this program as part of her legacy. Lisa changed the lives of souls of all ages with her generous spirit - teaching others about the world, expanding perspectives, and making connections. She was always excited to explore new possibilities and I have so much respect for the amazing work and great service that she gave to the world. Lisa, thank you for all of your guidance, your wisdom, and support. You were such an inspiration to me, and I miss you so incredibly much. I will get to Bosnia one day soon, I promise! That trip is planned as soon as it is safe to travel. To Aman and her sons, my deepest condolences. Lisa was so special, and she delighted in sharing your accomplishments (including your garden, Aman) so often. Words cannot describe how my heart aches for this loss, but her spirit lives on.

I can’t even to begin to explain the sorrow I feel over the loss of such a genuinely kind human being. Lisa was the leader of my 2009 Fulbright trip to Turkey and the Balkans. It was her passion and love for the subject matter that led me to make another trip with her to explore more of Bosnia in the summer of 2015. Lisa’s love of life, educating others, and the love and pride she had for her family was and will always be an inspiration to me. I am so sorry for your loss. 

Lisa was a friend, colleague and mentor. We had countless connections through MEOC, NCTE, MESA, Fulbright, the photography and lesson plan opportunities she shared, and her wonderful listserv which gave me countless opportunities. She was one of the most generous people I have ever met. Her generosity included personal invitations, countless connections and ideas, and unbelievable opportunities to travel and learn. One memory particularly stands out. After a dinner in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, I led her through the
dimly  lit maze  to the Damascus Gate . It was a magical walk, and for me, unusual because she was normally the guide in our relationship. I will miss her so much.


My sincerest condolences to Dr. Lisa’s family.  Dr. Lisa was a wonderful educator and  had a magnetic personality of vigorous intelligence, patient courage and hopefulness, compassionate understanding, and daring innovation that    had inspired me for years to see in others and myself and, thus, become a better educator and human being. We met with Lisa 12 years ago through a University of Arizona Education fair, and I would never forget her smile and welcoming gesture to me  to sign up in a list for the Middle East studies. We had been connected ever since and that is why it would  feel a loss to educators. Thanks to Lisa it was possible for me to go to my first Fulbright-Hays in China in 2019 and learn the importance of developing a critical insight and constructive imagination with intercultural themes and have a vision larger than myself. Lisa would continue to live in our hearts and spirits because her vision was bigger than life. May Lisa rest in peace, and may God bless her, her family, and everyone touched by her, always. 🌹 🙏 

It with great sorrow that I say goodbye to Dr. Lisa Adeli. I so looked forward to her CMES lists of teaching opportunities and applying to many of them. Two Fulbrights I had been selected for had to be cancelled because of wars and conflicts in the world but nothing dimmed Lisa's determination to spread peace and knowledge among diverse and wide-flung people from various corners of the globe. It is my sincerest hope that that light of peace and knowledge will spread and gain strength as we remember Lisa, her work, her family, and her impact on us all. My profound sympathy for her dear family and the hope that they continue her work which has meant so much to me and I'm sure many other educators who sought the same goals as she. For at least 18 years, I had been participating in her workshops. I attended her Morocco workshop, the Mexican spring educators workshop, the water issues workshop at the Biosphere, and countless others and the future Jordan Fulbright. I went to Russia after finding out about the Friends of Russia opportunity on her listserv. I learned about Mediterrean cooking from the zoom workshops posted at the CMES website during the initial lockdown. Two of my lesson plans are on her lessons link.  The last time I saw her was a year ago last fall at the Bosnian immigrant's restaurant in Tucson. I will always remember her stunning smile and enthusiasm.  It is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to her. 

I have known you mostly through your postings. But, I have admired and appreciated your work and your endless energy and creativity through the years. Your beautiful personality shone through your texts.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Much love
Cigdem

My condolences and sympathies go out to Lisa’s family. As a current educator, I have participated in various workshops and learning opportunities alongside Lisa. Just this past year, I became a member of MEOC and joined Lisa on the Youth Non-Fiction review panel as part of the Middle East Book Awards. Lisa seemed to always maintain a positive attitude and constantly had a smile on her face. Later in the year, I reached out to Lisa asking for several resources and suggestions that would help teach my students about the Middle East. She was just a phone call or email away and always ready to help. It was an honor to work along with and learn from Lisa. Thank you again for everything, Lisa. You will be deeply missed by all. 

Condolences to Lisa’s family and colleagues at CMES.  She was an outstanding educator and wonderful woman who touched so many lives, including my own. 

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Adeli. Dr. Adeli was a source of knowledge for me. As a teacher, she helped me in my teaching of the Middle East. I also had a chance to meet her at the National Social Studies Conference in San Francisco. She inspired me to become a better teacher. You will be missed in the k-12 community. Thank you for your outreach and your dedication. 

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Lisa - a lovely woman and a wonderful educator.  I always enjoyed speaking with her at church, working on community projects with her, and being able to greet her mother-in-law whenever she visited.  I will never forget meeting Lisa in an airport after she had injured her foot on a trip and had bravely soldiered on, still cheerful as ever because the trip was so important to her!  I send my sincere sympathy to the entire family. Peace be with you.

Lisa invited me to be the guest lecturer at her university, but also to be a guest of her family in Tucson, where I have also met her husband Aman and her mother in law. 
Lisa loved Balkans and Bosnia especially, which is why she was bringing her colleagues to Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Banjaluka, Stolac, Travnik, Trebinje, Vlašić, Turbe, Počitelj, Međugorje, Neum..   And I was honored to be the guide and interpreter of her groups several times, also in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania. Some of the most pleasant tours I guided, with nice people I've met in those well planned tours. 

She had so much energy to walk, to learn, to explore, to teach, and yet to keep her good mood and friendly approach to everyone around her all the time. Here's link to the page with one article in Bosnian, about Lisa's contribution to the detailed studies of the Bosnian contemporary history: https://arhiv.stav.ba/americka-historicarka-posjetama-balkanu-pocela-rusiti-mitove-i-lazi/ 

Thank You Lisa, may You enjoy eternal peace

She was one of my favorite teachers. I had a baby Freshman year and she set up a study group. She allowed me to bring my daughter to the group. I was able to pass that year. Over the years I have often thought of her. My deepest condolences to her family.

Aman, 
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and travel with you and Lisa on our adventure to Jordan in 2019, and then to catch up with her last November at NCSS. Even before I met and became friends with her, Lisa had, through her dedicated work with CMES, inspired me to become a better educator and learn more about Islam and the Middle East. I travelled to Bosnia in 2017 to participate in their annual peace walk to commemorate the genocide-a valued experience only made possible because of Lisa’s passion for and sharing of international  education opportunities for teachers. But most importantly, finally  meeting and becoming friends with Lisa on our Jordan trip really cemented for me what an incredible person and educator she was.  My favorite memory with her is having a cup of coffee sitting below the ruins of Petra early in the morning. I’m thankful to have met and known Lisa, and I am sending all my love and sympathy to your family 💙

It’s been too many years since I saw Lisa & so hard to believe that I no longer will get the chance. I was so lucky to get to know my cousin as an adult. We lived on different ends of the country but her warmth & joy in life made her feel close whenever we connected long distance or over dinner when we happened to be in the same town for an evening. She was always a role model for me & I miss her terribly already.   Much love to Aman and family. 

Roy and I are sending  our love and prayers to the family. 

I met Lisa in Sarajevo and we became very good friends. May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
With love and remembrance,                          she will be always in my heart. 
My deepest sympathy to her family.

I was deeply saddened to hear that Lisa passed away. We lost a beautiful soul. What an amazing educator and such a good friend... I will never forget her kind words of support when I needed them the most. Our conversations remain a dear memory in my heart! 
My deepest sympathies go out to Aman, her sons, family and friends.

Dear Aman,
I am so very sorry for you and your sons. I have such fond memories of our trip to Jordan. We were a fun group!  I am in awe of Lisa’s knowledge and kindness.  She was a kind soul.

Vic and I are terribly saddened to hear of your loss, Aman. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers  to you and your dear sons.  God Bless you and your family during this difficult time.  🙏

What a wonderful woman! I can't believe that Lisa has passed away. Such a caring and helpful person who opened up so many opportunities for students and fellow teachers! We shared some fantastic experiences in Oman and Zanzibar in Summer 2016- all of which she made possible. Lisa lives on in my heart! Heartfelt condolences to her family members from up in the Pacific Northwest! ❤️

I met Lisa at the National Convention for Social Studies, (NCSS).  She didn’t know me and it didn’t matter I was from Minnesota, she would help with any questions any time about the Middle East and other areas of her expertise.  I thought long and hard for about 20 seconds before I signed up on her Bosnia tour.  I still talk about it a lot.  She was so accepting and so accommodating.  I met my sisters after her trip and gave them a repeat performance that paled in comparison.  She inspired me to return to the Balkans twice since then.  I loved her and respected her more than is usual for our limited kind of relationship.  Her spirit was unexpected and unexplainable, I’m sure those struggling to say something meaningful will agree.  What a sorry loss!

I remember how passionate she was about her students and their learning.  She will be missed. My deepest sympathies to the family.

I still can’t believe you’re gone. Lisa, you were one of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I believe each person comes to this life with a purpose and Lisa, yours was to change the lives of so many students. You made so many opportunities possible for so many people- scholarships, the ability to go to college, education around the world. Me and my students are so lucky to have had you in our lives. Your dedication, your passion, your humility are an inspiration, not just to other educators but to other human beings. I remember how you used to drive an hour and a half everyday (no matter the circumstance- rain or snow) just to see the students. 

I thank god everyday that he brought you into my life.  We all miss you. We can only hope to carry your spirit forward and infuse all educators with the same love, dedication, and generosity that you embodied. 
Rest easy, my friend ❤️

My sweetest cousin, there are no words, but you know what is in my heart. You were a fierce warrior.

I have known Lisa for several years since my involvement and affiliation with the Center for Middle Studies (cmes) at the University of Arizona. Lisa was an outstanding colleague. She always treated others  with respect, great care and with a big smile. I will miss her smile and her presence at cmes. Sincere condolences to her colleagues at Cmes and to her family. 

It is with great sadness and admiration that I say goodbye to my friend Lisa Adeli. Because of her love for the world and teachers, I was able to have the experience of a lifetime in Morocco as a Fulbright Scholar. She worked hard to create experiences for teachers to be better human beings by opening up hearts and minds to different cultures. Thank you for my first camel ride and sunrise in the Sahara Desert. Veering from the itinerary so I could see goats in trees and attend the Ganoua Festival and more importantly all the long conversations in a van full of people I will cherish knowing for the rest of my life. Hope you’re on you best adventure yet. Bon Voyage.

You were a wonderful woman and teacher, I will always consider myself honored to have been lucky enough to know you and be welcomed into your home as Shawn's friend. I always enjoyed our conversations when you would drive me home from school, and the trip you took us on to see Whose Line Live will always be a dear memory in my heart.
You will most certainly be missed. 

I met Lisa in conjunction with a 2017 Fulbright-Hays program in Bosnia and Albania. Her passion for the Balkans and commitment to international education were beyond impressive. My deepest condolences to her immediate and UA family.

Salaam, my deepest sincere sympathies for your loss. 

Lisa was truly a special and kind soul. I am better off knowing her. She impacted me in such a beautiful manner.  
I met Lisa through Katherine Howard at Maricopa Community Colleges and we connected right away through our love for culture and the world. Then later she selected me to join her in the Fulbright Hays program to Morocco.  For that month in Morocco  we enjoyed our conversations and explored together as a group. The memories made are immeasurable and priceless! One of my favorites is of us dancing in a hotel that had little electricity over pizza.  Oh we had laughter!  
I am sad to see her go and feel grateful for having connected with Lisa! 

My prayers to you and your boys. She is at peace now and her legacy will live on in all of us. ❤️ 

OBITUARY

Lisa Marie Adeli

17 February, 1958 – 22 December, 2020

Desert Rose Heather Cremation & Burial

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