Lisa Schwartz Pettinati

Lisa Beth Pettinati, beloved wife, mother, sister, bubbe, cousin, and friend died peacefully in the arms of her family in her home. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 25, 1957 to parents Joel and Irene Schwartz (deceased).

Lisa is survived by her husband, Nicholas Pettinati; sister, Mindy Chriqui; children, Breanna Pettinati-Staller, Adriana Clarke, Irene (Renee) King, Isabella Carter, and Nicholas (Sam) Pettinati and their spouses and partners; Grandchildren Karen Jackson, Julianna Clair, James Clair, Margaret Staller, Olive Clarke, Josephine King, Wesley (Jorgé) Carter; her pets Noodle, Lilly, Sparkles, and Mina and Miso; many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Lisa wanted everyone to know that she loved each of you so much.

Lisa attended school through 12th grade. She went to college at Temple University to obtain her Bachelor’s in Social Work and later Chestnut Hill College to obtain her Master’s in Social Work. She lived in Arad, Israel for 3 years, where she worked on a kibbutz and started her family, having Renee. Soon after, she returned to Philadelphia in 1986. She worked as a Social Worker, later earning the position of Director of Patient Services, at Horizon House, where she remained for 30+ years. Lisa was incredibly proud of, and dedicated to, her profession. She married Nicholas in 1990, expanding her family to include Breanna and Adriana. She remained a devoted wife for 35 years. Lisa and Nick expanded their family to include Bella and Sam. They enjoyed many years with their wonderful neighbors on Hillside Avenue raising their family. Lisa, along with Nick, instilled values of community and service into their children, leading by example. Lisa retired in 2023 and moved with Renee and her grandchildren to a shared property in Wagontown, PA, where she embraced country living and spent her time doting on her loved ones. Lisa loved going ‘up north’ to her home in the Thousand Islands, New York, where she spent many vacations with her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Lisa was fortunate to have her loved ones gather in her honor in the past few days. Lisa will be remembered as a nurturer; she was so beautiful, so vivacious, and so full of life and love. Lisa made sure to be a part of every event in the lives of those she loved: births, moves, graduations, recitals, and everything in between. Her family would never be able to capture everything she was into a set of paragraphs; suffice to say her essence is woven into every act that those who loved her will ever do again. She is the foundation of her family. Lisa had the most compassionate, empathetic viewpoint of the world; her advice and steady, loving presence will be missed beyond expression. Lisa had a unique gift for bringing people together and making it look easy; she would host a yearly holiday gathering that dozens of people would attend, where she would make every recipe from scratch – all while she cared for 5 children and worked a full-time job. Lisa loved to feed people and will be remembered for her delicious recipes that we all stuffed ourselves with. Lisa made everyone around her feel loved; there were so many people that held Lisa as essential and integral to their lives and existence. Lisa had the most joyful, bubbly laugh, which she shared often with those she loved. Lisa left the world a better place, with a legacy of love that will continue forever.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 1PM at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery at 1200 Bartram Avenue, Collingdale, PA 19023 followed by burial. Shiva will be held immediately after at the Chriqui Residence, 1853 Mallard Lane, Villanova PA 19085. The family requests dress be seasonably comfortable for the weather, and include colors and florals if possible, as Lisa would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Breathing Room Foundation, Plant Trees in Israel charity at https://www.shiva.com/trees-israel-land, and/or the SPCA.

Arrangements under the direction of the Goldstein Funeral Homes.