She was well-known around town on her red mobility scooter and the sudden passing of Lisa Berry has come as a shock to her family and friends.
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Lisa Berry, 42, suffered from a rare condition called Charcot Marie Tooths - named after the three doctors who identified the hereditary disease, that also affects her mother, Karon Barford and other older family members.
The disease, which wastes muscles and nearness generally starting from the feet up, makes mobility an issue.
Lisa had experienced some blood clot complications recently and had several fingers amputated. After being released from hospital on Thursday, May 27, she passed away suddenly in her Ulladulla home on Sunday morning.
She leaves behind four children, Garry, Stephie Rose, Bailey and Lucas. The younger boys are still in high school.
Lisa comes from a tight-knit family and her second cousin Sandie Kemp has stepped in to try and raise funds to help pay for the funeral.
Sandie appealed to the local community in 2013 to raise money to purchase Lisa a mobility scooter and was overwhelmed at the generosity shown. She's hoping the community is able to help again in these particularly hard times.
"Lisa was a beautiful, kind hearted, family orientated person who always looked out for her family and friends before herself," Sandie said.
"Anything that we could raise would be wonderful and I know Lisa would be so thankful."
Sandie said Lisa was overjoyed with the outpouring of support shown in 2013 when the community pitched in for her new scooter. Surviving on a disability pension since the age of 16, Lisa had never had the money to buy a mobility scooter.
She was so appreciative when people donated and told The Times in 2013 she was looking forward to doing simple things like walking her children to work in a life that was suddenly much easier and brighter.
Sandie said Lisa was well-known for her happy personality and was a regular darts player at the ex-servos with mum, Karon. She was very close with Karon, who Sandie said also shared Lisa's beautiful, caring personality and always puts her family first.
Lisa will be deeply missed by Karon, her children and her many relatives and friends. Lisa's cause of death is yet to be determined and a funeral date will be set in the coming week.
To donate directly to the fundraiser, search Lisa Berry Fundraiser on Facebook and request to join the group. All details are included and any donations will be gratefully received.
