Lisa Nelson Fridrichsen

She was born on May 21, 1960 in Huntington, WV, to parents Rev. Richard J. (Jerry) and Elinor Nelson, and graduated from Trotwood Madison High School in Dayton, OH. Lisa moved to Atlanta, GA, to attend Branell Women’s College, receiving her diploma in Fashion Merchandising and being named Exemplar Student for the 1979 academic year.

Lisa met her future husband, Jan (“Yahn”), while in Atlanta as he was attending Georgia Tech. The couple moved to Dothan, AL and were married March 27, 1982. Later in 1986, the couple relocated to Birmingham where they lived at the time of her passing. Although disappointed that they never had children, Lisa and Jan were blessed to care for Lisa’s disabled father until his passing in 2003.

Lisa was employed by Scandipharm Pharmaceuticals in 1994, with a three-year pause in 1998 to accompany her husband on assignment in Paris, France. At the time of her death, she was employed by Forest Laboratories.

Lisa loved dogs, dancing, and entertaining friends. She was the mother nurse to three shih-tzus (Pastis, Remy and Toby) and was the diligent caregiver to these three loved pets. Lisa loved to dance and could be seen at many events and weddings enjoying a spin on the floor, and she loved to entertain, enjoying friends and family in her home for dinner meals, socializing, and throwing a string of Toga Parties well known to all her friends.

Lisa is survived by her husband Jan; her mother, Elinor; sisters, Amy Nelson (Gabe) and Sue LaMendola (TJ); and brother, Jon. She leaves four nephews, Jonas Fridrichsen (Emily) of Nashville, TN, and Nick, Chris and Andrew LaMendola of Columbus, OH; and one niece, Ainsley Agbaike of Columbus.

Lisa was loved by all who knew her. She was the embodiment of the Golden Rule, and her bright disposition, cheerful personality, and considerate way of being will be missed by all who she surrounded. She was the nicest person we ever knew.

Visitation will be at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2014. A memorial service in Ridout’s Southern Heritage Chapel will follow at 1 p.m.

Because Lisa so loved dogs, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be made to your favorite dog-related charity.