Lisa Marie Yanez

Lisa Marie Yanez Obituary, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Lisa Marie Yanez, beloved mother, sister, and daughter, passed unexpectedly on May 2, 2023. Lisa is survived by her two children, Zachary (12) and Addison Yanez (10), her parents Katherine Spiess and Mark Spiess, and by her sisters, Jasmine Spiess (John Wen) and Marilyn Mascitti (Stephen Mascitti).

She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 28, 1973. From the start, she was known for her drive and ambition, as well as her sense of humor and kindness. Lisa graduated as valedictorian of her class in Milton, Wisconsin. She went on to get her degree from The University of Chicago.

Lisa embarked on a career in the healthcare field fueled by her compassion, creativity, endless curiosity, and passion for helping others. After a decades-long, successful career in notable pharmaceutical companies, Lisa joined Aerami Therapeutics where she was a fierce advocate for those suffering from pulmonary hypertension. Her efforts led to her recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer. A colleague noted, “Lisa was a passionate, authentic leader who worked shoulder to shoulder with her colleagues, always focused on bringing solutions to help people live longer and better lives.”

Of all her accomplishments, Lisa’s family was her greatest source of pride and joy. Her children were the most important thing in her life; she was always supporting and spending time with them. Whether goofing around, playing in the backyard, watching movies, or traveling the world - everything Lisa did in life was for the love of Zachary and Addison.

She was a kind and generous person who always put others before herself and had a passion for helping those in need. She dedicated much of her time to volunteering at her children’s schools and in the community.

Lisa was so many things to so many people. She was generous with her advice and support and each person took something unique from their relationship with her. Those who have been left behind will never be able to forget her smile, her generosity, and her spirit. Lisa’s warmth and compassion touched the lives of countless people and inspired them to be better versions of themselves.

While her absence leaves a huge hole in our hearts, it is our privilege and responsibility to carry forward the light she brought to this world. We will love and miss her forever.

Zachary and Addison are in the loving care of their father Robert Yanez and Michelle Yanez

A memorial service will be held in Lisa's honor on Saturday, May 20th, at Raleigh Memorial Park, located at 7501 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, NC 27612. The service will begin at 2 PM in the Mausoleum Chapel and all are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, Lisa's family requests that donations be made in her memory to one of the following organizations she supported throughout her life.

1. Angelman Syndrome Foundation (www.angelman.org)
2. Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (cureangelman.org)
3. Pulmonary Hypertension Association (phassociation.org)