Mrs. Lisa Barnett, 60, of Wake Forest, NC (formerly of Wayne, NJ), passed on January 18, 2025, peacefully in her sleep. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 26, 1964, daughter of the late Margaret and Cornelius Gallo.

Lisa went to Sacred Heart School until she attended Suffern High School, graduating as a valedictorian of the class of 1982. Throughout school, Lisa was very involved in the theater group where she starred in many plays, and was always proud of playing the role of Peter Pan. Lisa went on to attend Pace University and graduated with the highest honors of summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. After graduating college, Lisa went on to work for IBM with a focus on technology, but her impressive skills soon landed her in Sales where she met Jim, the love of her life and husband of 36 years. Jim and Lisa were married in 1988 and started building a life together. They would have celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary on August 20, 2025.

As a professional, Lisa had many achievements to be proud of, earning several top performer awards at IBM. In 1991, Jim and Lisa both left IBM for an opportunity at Lexmark where they both excelled, and Lisa left a meaningful mark on the company by developing a Sales Kit which was adopted nationally. Lisa worked for Lexmark through her first pregnancy with her daughter Elisabeth, and once she was born in 1993, Lisa began her career as a homemaker. Lisa was excellent at being a Sales representative, but she was even more impressive as a mother. In 1996, Lisa gave birth to her second child, James, Jr. She was a very loving mother always there to support her children with love, comfort, and protection.

Lisa was extremely talented in so many ways. She was musically talented and enjoyed being part of the Harmony Singers choir group. She used her intelligence to be there in many ways for her children as PTO President, Girl Scout Troop Leader, a CCD teacher, and even a soccer coach—among many other things. She was artistic and created many beautiful items that she crocheted and sewed to sell at craft fairs with her daughter Elisabeth. And, last but certainly not least, Lisa was always able to figure out any puzzle, using her ability to research and piece together information on vintage items she resold on eBay together with her son, James. Throughout life, Lisa used her many talents and endless love to bring joy to her family and all those around her.

Our dear Lisa is survived by her spouse, Jim Barnett, her daughter, Elisabeth (Ethan) Brothers of Wake Forest, NC, her son, James Barnett, Jr. of Wake Forest, 2-year-old granddaughter Isabelle Brothers, and 4 siblings including Regina (Al) Martin, Neil (Brian) Gallo, Linda (Kenny) Meyer, and Joyce (Sal) Castronovo. Lisa is also survived by sister-in-law Barbara (Jim) Dygert, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615, on Thursday, January 30th from 6:00 – 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11401 Leesville Road, Raleigh, NC 27613, on Friday, January 31st. Visitation at the church will begin at 12:00 p.m. with the mass to follow at 1:00 p.m.

Lisa will be remembered for her endless love for her husband and children, her quick wit, her generosity, and her many talents. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.