On Monday, December 21st, 2020, Lisa Berlanga finished her battle with ALS at the age of 58. Lisa was long time Lay Equalization Member of the Detroit Annual Conference and then the Michigan Annual Conference and the wife of Rev. Nick Berlanga, appointed to Ann Arbor First UMC.
Lisa was born on January 30, 1962 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the youngest of five children born to Richard and Sue Suetterlin. Lisa grew up in Farmington Hills and attended Harrison High School. She received a degree in Fashion Merchandising from Northwood Institute in Midland Michigan and had a successful career in retail management. On September 9, 1989 she married Nicolas (Nick) Berlanga. They raised three children, Vicky, Zane and Risa.
Lisa loved to garden, knit, and was an avid crafter. Lisa was a scout leader, taught adult Sunday school at Plymouth First United Methodist Church, went on mission trips, and worked for the NOAH project, an agency that feeds and advocates for the homeless. Lisa started by handing out meals, and eventually moved to working the front desk at NOAH. Most recently, Lisa enjoyed spending time with her friends in the knitting group at Ann Arbor First United Methodist church.
Despite physical ailments that plagued her most of her life, Lisa never backed down from a challenge and would often champion the causes of the underdog. Her greatest joy in her last year was spending time with her grandson Colton. They would ride her wheelchair together, and Colton would play with his cars up and down her legs.
Lisa was preceded in death by her mother Sue and older brother John. She is survived by her father Dick, husband Nick, children Victoria (James), Zane, Marisa, and grandson Colton. Also, by her sister Diane, brothers Terry and Kevin, and multiple nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Donations may be made in her honor to The NOAH Project or the ALS Association of Michigan.
Condolences may be sent to: Rev. Nick Berlanga, 1507 Warwick, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103.
Last Updated on January 30, 2024