Lisa Ann O’Brien, of Port Charlotte, Florida, born January 29, 1955, in Frederick, Wisconsin, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Daughter of Richard and Eileen Perry. Lisa grew up enjoying the nature of northern Wisconsin and working in the family business, a true 1950’s drive-in restaurant. Lisa often reminisced on the days when her family also owned a Christmas tree business, and harvesting trees.

In 1973 Lisa graduated from Berlin High School, in Berlin, Wisconsin. She was active in sports, Treasurer of the Junior class, and was a cheerleader for the Berlin High Indians.  Lisa attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, where she met Michael O’Brien, the couple married in 1978 and divorced in 1990. James, Jessica and Sean were their children.

Moving to Pardeeville Wisconsin, Lisa owned and operated O’Brien’s restaurant from 1982 to 2003, a community mainstay.  Lisa was active in the local business community, and the first female member of the Pardeeville Lions Club, she was on the board of the club’s scholarship committee and enjoyed volunteering at the The United Methodist Church.

In 2005, Lisa married Tom Millitzer. The couple first met in La Crosse in 1976. Together they owned and operated New Commerce Communications, Inc, where she served as Vice President, providing international merger and acquisition services.  The couple lived in Pardeeville, moved to Milwaukee and then on to Florida in 2005. Lisa was a registered active Republican and supported traditional conservative principles.

Lisa and Tom learned to sail in Milwaukee and continued that sport in Florida. Lisa avidly enjoyed studying the great American Bald eagle, she had an expansive butterfly garden. The gopher turtles that routinely visited their property was one of her great joys.

Lisa was brought up in the restaurant business. Her early career was cooking and owning a small breakfast and lunch cafe for over twenty years. She never ceased trying new methods, had an extensive knowledge of culinary arts, and surprising her husband. Lisa enjoyed resurrecting old rusty cast iron skillets, bringing them back to life and keeping them well seasoned. In the kitchen Lisa was a perfectionist.

One phrase of note that Lisa and Tom shared reads; “We have two lives; the life we learn with and the life we live after that.” Bernard Malamud.  Another telling phrase in Lisa’s personal notes was from Saint Thomas Moore; “The times are never so bad that good people can’t be good in them.” On her refrigerator a post read; “Peace I leave with you; and peace I give to you.” John 14-27.

Lisa is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Millitzer; her loving children, James O’Brien (Jen O’Brien), Jessica O’Brien, and Sean O’Brien (Karina O’Brien); and her cherished grandchildren: Finnley O’Brien, Zoe O’Brien, Teagan O’Brien, Leita O’Brien, and Kalin Degnin.  She is also survived by her caring stepchildren, Joe (Katie) Millitzer and Marc Millitzer, along with her beloved step-grandchildren Hans, Wolfgang, Fritz, Trinity, and Reyah.  Lisa is survived by her brothers, Greg Perry and Richard Perry, along with extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 11 AM at Trinity Global Methodist in Charlotte Harbor, located at 23085 Seneca Ave., Port Charlotte, FL 33980. Following the service, Lisa will be laid to rest at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 1380 Forrest Nelson Blvd, Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

Immediately after the funeral a reception will be held at the couples home in Port Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to support one of Lisa’s passions, the SW Florida Eagle Cam Foundation. Donations can be sent to: SW Florida Eagle Cam Foundation, P.O. Box 2148, North Fort Myers, FL 33902.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences and memories to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel.