Obituary of Lisa L. McKenzie-Giles
Lisa L. McKenzie was born on May 30, 1963 in Monroe, Michigan. She was the daughter of Millard McKenzie and Helen (Heiser) Gross. Lisa attended Dundee High School before graduating from Monroe High School with the Class of 1981. She had previously worked at the Monroe County Humane Society for more than a decade before becoming employed at Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet in Maumee, Ohio where she served as the Shelter Manager for twelve years.
Lisa was introduced to her husband, Kevin Giles, at a friend’s birthday party in 2003. She memorably threw his car keys in a pool to prevent him from leaving so she could get to know him better. On July 2, 2016, on the beach nearby their home, she and Kevin were (finally!) joined in marriage. It was an unforgettable wedding complete with an ordained neighbor serving as officiant, newlywed ride on a tractor across the beach, and a symbolic throwing of the keys into the Lake! Lisa enjoyed traveling with her husband and daughters, visiting all the New England States, Lake George in New York, and Arizona.
To say that Lisa loved animals would be an epic understatement. She was a passionate advocate for them. Lisa dedicated her life to providing second chances to the animals that found themselves in need of saving. The abandoned, the broken, the young and the old, she helped them all get the good life they deserved. It’s even been said that she is currently accepting applications to pair the angels with a pet that’s crossed the rainbow bridge.
Lisa L. Giles, age 58, of Monroe, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Thursday; December 2, 2021. Her passing was preceded by her father: Millard McKenzie; mother: Helen Gross; stepfather: Allen Gross; and a sister: Loretta McKenzie.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband: Kevin Giles; a daughter Elizabeth Ann Giles; two stepdaughters: Erica Giles of Arizona and Lena (Aaron) Beumel of Washington; a sister: Raine (Bob) Edelbrock; two brothers: Chris (Donna) Vandercook and Bob McNett; her best friend since grade school: Susan Heckman; two feline friends: “Mariah” and “Boogyman”; and three canine companions: “Smiley”, a Puggle who adored her, and Basset Hounds “Gabby” and “Lady”.
Friends may gather on Tuesday; December 7, 2021 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Lisa’s Life led by Pastor Roy Southerland will begin at 3:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Maumee Valley Save-A-Pet, 5250 Hill Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43615. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
