Lisa Ann Real, 51, of Quincy passed away at 5pm on October 7, 2012 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 6, 1961 in Quincy. Lisa was a daughter of James and Patricia (Yates) Real.

Lisa attended Quincy Notre Dame High School where she was active in ND Lady Raider’s basketball, softball and volleyball teams and graduated in 1979. She joined the United States Air Force in 1981 as a firefighter where she served at Lakenheath AFB in England, Torrejon AFB in Spain and then back to the USA to Altus AFB in Oklahoma till her honorable discharge in 1983. During this time she completed an associate’s degree in computer science at Western Oklahoma State College.

After completing her education she moved her family to Buffalo, NY where she became an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills and started her career in the veterinary field as a certified veterinarian technician. She found great joy working for Ellicott Small Animal Hospital in Buffalo, NY where she worked her way up to office manager. Lisa’s dedication and loyalty was recognized by Ellicott and she was known as a “company” employee. Her huge heart and love for animals led her to adopting several cats and dogs and welcoming them into her home.

Lisa decided to move back to her Midwestern roots in 2004 to be around family in Quincy, IL. She worked in the veterinarian field before finding a home with the Quincy Junior High custodial family. It was not unusual for Lisa to arrive an hour early to work to have some quality time to spend with her co-workers as well as bonfires, squirrel hunting, swimming in backyard pools and fishing with her coworkers.

She inherited her love of fishing from her “best fishing buddy” her father. Many a Saturday was spent on her dad’s boat in surrounding lakes fishing for the elusive crappie. Family reunions in the Ozarks centered on fishing and the Saturday night fish fry. Lisa was usually the first one up and on a boat at these reunions which meant she was the first to catch a fish. Most importantly she enjoyed spending time with her family where she was famous for her deviled eggs.

A special thank you goes to her doctor, Dr. El-Khoury and his team of nurses as well as Blessing Hospital 5400 and Blessing Hospital Hospice. Through their care the family was able to enjoy many precious days with Lisa.

She is survived by her daughter LaTasha Harbin of Quincy, Il and her sons Lee Harbin of Quincy, Il and Luke Harbin (Cassie) of Fayetteville, NC.: two grandchildren Shawn Harbin and Jordan Harbin; sisters Barbara Damm (Donald) and Cindy LaTour (Bill) of Quincy, Il and brothers Michael Real (Karen) of Montgomery, Il and John Real (Stephanie) of Pembroke Pines, Fl.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be at 9: 30a.m. Friday in Duker and Haugh Funeral Home with a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter conducted by Msgr. Leo Enlow. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy. Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.
Memorials: in lieu of flowers to Blessing Hospital Cancer Center or Blessing Hospice. Arrangements: Duker & Haugh Funeral Home www.dukerandhaugh.com.