Lisa I. De Vries, aged 67, of Winter Garden, passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

It was a winding and beautiful journey for a small town farm girl from Huehuetenango, Guatemala.  Born on October 19, 1955, she suffered the loss of both parents at a young age, and emigrated from Guatemala to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she would meet and marry her husband of 47 years, Daniel De Vries III.

Together, Lisa and Dan took on several adventures, from managing a coffee farm in Guatemala to teaching high school Spanish in Miami.  Lisa built a career as an educator with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, beginning her career at Miami Killian and retiring from John A. Ferguson.

Tough but kind.  Born with the analytical skills of a scientist and a love of Latin American literature, she set aspirational goals for her students and challenged them to struggle and reach not only for better grades, but better ambitions.

Outside of the classroom, Lisa set the gold standard for hospitality to visiting friends and family.  She lived to see that smile on your face when you enjoyed her culinary delights and mojitos she prepared for you at no trouble or expense.

Lisa dearly loved and fought hard for her family.  She is survived by her husband Daniel III, her sons Daniel IV, Peter, and one very special grandson, Gray "The Grayster", who was affectionately known to her as "Rayito", her little ray of sunshine.

Lisa was a follower of Christ and was looking forward to Heaven.  Her suffering has ended and her joy with Jesus in Heaven has begun.  A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlands Lutheran Church in Montverde, Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to Woodlands Lutheran Church to support their Youth Group activities.