With great sadness, we announce the death of Lisa R. Klionsky, 63, beloved wife of 32 years, daughter, sister, and aunt; cherished friend; and respected colleague. Her husband, Dan, was by her side when she passed on October 30, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Lisa faced a very difficult cancer diagnosis with courage, and left our world with incomparable grace, sharing her belongings, and offering support to her friends and loved ones as she neared the end.
Nature lover, avid reader, ardent walker, bird watcher and dog lover (Lisa and Dan had three corgis), Lisa cared deeply for the people in her life. Even in the most difficult times during the pandemic, she found ways to stay connected, and friends could always count on her to make time for them.
Born in Detroit, Lisa spent her childhood in Ann Arbor. She attended Huron High, then enrolled at the University of Michigan, where she studied communication and history, graduating with distinction. Among her extracurricular activities, she played clarinet in the Michigan Marching Band. While pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at U-M, she served as an editor at the Town Crier newspaper on Mackinac Island. There, she developed a lifelong love of the island and returned often, including on her honeymoon.
Mutual friends introduced Lisa to Dan when she was a reporter for the Fresno Bee and he was a professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of California at Davis. They maintained a long-distance relationship until their marriage in 1992.
She then moved to Davis and worked at the university as a senior public information team member. Lisa and Dan eventually returned to Ann Arbor in 2000. She continued her career as a journalist at the Ann Arbor News, writing a variety of stories about higher education, government, public policy, social services, business, the arts, and religion.
Lisa started as a communication consultant at U-M’s Ross School of Business in 2008, assessing students’ written and spoken communication submissions and advising students on academically oriented and career-related communication materials. She took on a business communication lecturer role in 2016, teaching BBA and MBA courses and coaching Multidisciplinary Action Project/MAP teams. Lisa could always be counted on to be engaged and thoughtful in developing curriculum and delivering classes. She was an active collaborator in improving course and communication resources—not just accepting the status quo and always putting students first.
Lisa’s dedication to supporting students and the difference she made is evidenced by comments from her MAP teams, such as “Lisa was very supportive and I always left our conversations with a smile.” “I felt that all her recommendations were value-added. Lisa was incredibly responsive and helpful to our team.” “Lisa was helpful in thinking through best practices for our presentations.” “Lisa was extremely available and helpful at all points of MAP.” “Lisa rocks!!”
Her colleagues at Ross remain grateful for Lisa’s contributions, camaraderie, and friendship. Lisa also volunteered as a job coach at the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan, where she helped countless women on their professional journeys. She leaves a big void and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Lisa is survived by her husband, Dan Klionsky; her parents, Barbara and Speers Crumrine; her brothers, Jon (Maureen) Crumrine and David (Fiona) Crumrine; and four nieces (Sarah and Amelia) and nephews (Josh and Julian).
A memorial service will be held. To honor her memory, please consider donating to The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan.
