Lisa F. Curran, age 67, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, after a long battle with congestive heart failure.

She was born in 1958 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest of three children and the beloved daughter of Henry and Julia Curran. Her early years took her from Cincinnati to Milwaukee and Shorewood before the family settled permanently in Madison in 1967.

Lisa attended Our Lady Queen of Peace Grade School, graduated from Edgewood High School with the Class of 1976, and later earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts—Radio, Television, and Film—from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1980.

She had a lifelong love of art, crafting, and creating. In her spare time, she made beautiful embroidered Christmas stockings for her nieces and nephews and decorative wall hangings for her home. She was a master gift wrapper, creating artful and beautifully presented packages for family and friends. Lisa was also a skilled photographer, capturing stunning and colorful images of the world around her.

She made the best chocolate chip cookie bars and enjoyed making her grandmother Blair’s seven-layer chocolate cake with her sister and niece. She also perfected the art of making her favorite drink -strawberry daiquiri.

Lisa loved attending art fairs in Madison and the surrounding areas with her sister, Julia.

Swimming was an activity she enjoyed, and was a longtime member of the West Side Swim Club. Lisa formed many lasting friendships at the club and spent as much of her summer free time there as possible.

Traveling was one of Lisa’s greatest joys. She treasured trips to San Francisco, Chicago, Ireland, Australia, England, France, Colorado, Florida, and North Carolina. Maui became her favorite place on earth, and she was fortunate to visit the island 13 times.

Florida—particularly, its beaches—became her favorite destination on the mainland. She spent many weeks in the Venice area with her best friend and travel companion, Victoria. They were later joined by Beth, Victoria’s sister. Anyone who stepped into her home could immediately see her love of the beach, especially Hawaii, reflected in the treasures she collected from shorelines, shops, and art fairs.

Professionally, Lisa devoted her career to WHA/Wisconsin Public Television. She began as a student on the production crew, working football and hockey games, and went on to serve in Production, Traffic (Media Library), News and Public Affairs, Sports, Auction, and Programming. She directed pledge drives and auctions before ultimately finding her place in Design. She became a master control operator and later served as Electronics Graphics Manager. Live productions were among her favorites, with a special fondness for Auction. In 2016, she received the UW-Extension Chancellor’s Career Award in recognition of her dedication and contributions. Lisa retired that same year after 37 years of committed service.

Throughout her life, Lisa faced many health challenges, meeting each with resilience and quiet strength. She demonstrated true strength of mind and heart, and her optimism and strong will to live in the face of adversity was an inspiration. Her family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care she received over the past 39 years at Dean Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew, Steven Joseph Heusinger. She is survived by her sister, Julia Heusinger; her brother, Michael (Renata) Curran; nieces Karen (Evan) Connair and Kristen (Luis) Heusinger Valdes; nephews Aaron (Megan) Curran and Andrew (Rachel) Curran; and seven grand-nieces and two grand-nephews, all of whom brought her great joy. She is also remembered by her cousin, Laura Curran. Lisa will be deeply missed by her best friend, Victoria Winslow, as well as friends Beth Winslow, Deborah Ahlstedt, Lisa Lehman, Jen Hadley, and Jonelle Conom.

Lisa will be remembered for her deep and loving devotion to family. We also will remember her for her steadfast friendships, creativity, genuine warmth, and ability to connect with anyone.

Lisa, may you always feel the warmth of the sun, hear the sound of the waves, smell the sea breeze, and enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Madison Public Library, PBS WI and Meriter-UnityPoint Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital.

Lisa’s Celebration of Life will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, in Madison on Monday, June 29. Visitation will be held from 10:00 -10:45, service at 10:45 following.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd    Madison

608-238-3434