Maxine Eugenia Torrey Lisi

Maxine Eugenia Torrey Lisi of Rochester, NY passed away on October 18, 2022 at the age of 93. Born in Stafford, NY on January 7, 1929, Maxine was the eldest daughter of the late Elbert G.H. and Marjorie J (Waterman) Torrey. She is survived by her devoted husband, William (Bill) Lisi of 70 years, their four children William Jr. (Holly) of Virginia Beach, Marcel Lisi (David) of Fairfax, VA, Peter (Penelope) of West Hartford, CT and Martina Hitchman (John) of Charleston, SC, two grandchildren Isabelle Lisi and Kyle Hitchman and two siblings Douglas Torrey (Peggy) of LeRoy, NY and Marcia Torrey Kibbe (Alan) of Norwalk CT, and 15 nieces and nephews, 17 great nieces and nephews, and numerous great, great nieces and nephews whom she adored. Maxine was predeceased by brothers, Charles, George, Reginald, David, Donald, and Gerald Torrey.

Following graduation from Pavilion Central School Maxine graduated from William Smith College. She started her teaching career in Arkport, Steuben County, NY and retired from the Rochester Public School System where she taught Home Economics.
She was always willing to share her many interests and skills. Maxine lived her life showing us all how to be the best person we could be with love, compassion and generosity. As an active member of Asbury First United Methodist Church, she helped Bill establish the dining caring center providing meals to those in need and often led Adult Bible study groups. She proudly supported many civic and charitable organizations, having served as a docent at the Rochester Museum where she took many classes. She enjoyed the Strong Museum.
She was an avid competitive duplicate bridge player, passionate reader, tennis player and traveler. Traveling with Bill she visited 18 countries. Cape Cod was her favorite vacation destination, with or without children. Many memorable summers were spent on the beaches of Cape Cod. She was always willing to share her skills cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and gardening. She enjoyed time in the kitchen with her family, and serving special meals for all to enjoy. Her favorite outdoor activity was gardening. For many years flowers would be blooming outdoors until Thanksgiving, and then she would force bulbs through the winter to bring the garden inside. Not willing to retire, she started a small business mixing cement and shaping it into English troughs. She was very successful, having received requests for her garden ornaments and planters from England and Holland.

Maxine was diagnosed with dementia in 2010 and never lost interest in life. She continued to relish family events and holidays to the best of her ability. Her family is particularly grateful for the extraordinary care she received at The Highlands of Brighton. Their care, both before and after COVID, made the last years of her life the best they could be.

A funeral service will be held on October 23, 1pm at Stafford United Methodist Church. Burial will follow immediately at Stafford Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Maxine's memory can be made to the Stafford United Methodist Church, 6134 Main Road, Route 5, Stafford, NY 14143.