Lisa Ann Berggren

Lisa Ann Berggren passed away unexpectedly June 6, 2017 in Visalia, California. She was born Lisa Ann Moody in Burbank, California on May, 2, 1971. She grew up in Glendale and attended schools there through Junior College. She graduated from Glendale High School in 1989. Lisa went on to attend Cal State Northridge, Cal State Channel Islands, Cal Poly Pomona and the University of Texas, San Antonio. Although not a natural academic student, through pure hard work and determination she earned a B.S. in Animal Science in 1996 and was pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education. She also earned numerous specialized certificates and diplomas in education and psychology.

Lisa met Bob Berggren, a career Navy man, in 1999 and they married in 2001. Out of College, Lisa chose to become an educator/teacher. She knew that she had a special gift and an ability to connect with children. It seemed to anyone who knew her that she loved virtually all children she encountered – those thriving or struggling, happy or sad. She found the good and the potential in every one of them. Her teaching career spanned 18 years at schools in Santa Paula, Camarillo, Hanford and Stratford; five of those years as an Assistant Principal here in Kings County. Her kids liked and loved “Miss B” and she loved each of them.

Anyone who knew her knew that Lisa had a great desire to collect and help “strays” – any creatures of God. If she couldn’t give an animal a home she would find someone who could. Servicemen and women away from home always had a place set at her table for the holidays.

Through all of her great achievements and accomplishments, the one she was most proud of, and the center of her world, is her beloved 10 year old son, Phoenix. He was her whole purpose. Her love for him will live forever. In 2014, she met Jim Adams, her fiancé. They both treasured their time together.

Lisa was preceded in death by her father, Harold Moody, and Bob Berggren, Phoenix's father. She is survived by her son, Phoenix Berggren; her mother, Leann Brisben; her Stepfather, Frank Brisben of Groveland, CA; her brother, Mark Moody of Crestline, CA; fiancé, Jim Adams and his daughters, Tara and Heather Adams and his granddaughter, Emory Kincaid; her uncle/aunt and godparents, Bob and Donna Thomas; beloved cousin Kelly and her husband James and son, Jordan Geels, all of Visalia, CA, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Lisa is also survived by many, many friends and students whose lives she touched and who love her.

Lisa is also preceded in death by her beloved dog, Wyatt.

Leann and all of Lisa’s family and friends thank Frank Brisben for taking Lisa into his heart as his daughter. She loved you, and to her you were her father. Thank you for your heart.

A Celebration of Life for Lisa will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lemoore Church of the Nazarene, 726 East D Street, Lemoore, CA.