Lisamarie Maki, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, in Princeton, Kentucky. Born on February 21, 1964, in the Bronx, New York, to Walter Basso and the late Barbara Byrne Basso, Lisamarie’s life was a testament to the power of kindness and the warmth of a generous spirit. She had a larger-than-life personality and emanated love with every fiber of her being to all who knew her. She never met a stranger; they were just friends she didn’t know yet. To know her was to love her and be loved by her.
Lisamarie was a devote Catholic, but above that she loved God and loved to serve him in any capacity he put before her. She served as the organist for both St. Marks Catholic Church in Eddyville and St. Paul Catholic Church in Princeton for many, many years. She also was honored to provide music for any other services and masses either church held.
As a teenager, Lisamarie enjoyed working for her family’s skating rink, Funland, in Princeton. After that, she went to work at Walmart where she retired from there after 36 loyal years. She had many faithful customers and always had a smile and a sincere greeting for everyone. She then went to work at Caldwell Medical Center as a ward clerk where her compassion was showcased once again.
One of the things Lisamarie enjoyed the most in life was cruising. As soon as she finished one, she couldn’t wait to plan her next. She loved to tell about her adventures at sea and always shared pictures with anyone who was interested. Before most every cruise though, she had to stop in New Orleans and pick up a pair (or five) of her most cherished earrings made by Oscar.
Even though she loved everybody, her family was her greatest treasure. Lisamarie’s journey through life was marked by the joy she found in her family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom Maki of Lyon County; Her legacy lives on through her daughter, Lindsey (Jonathon) Chewning of Princeton; her father, Walter Basso of Springfield, IL; her step-daughter, Rebecca (Don) Terry of Norwich, CT; and her step-sons, Jon (Cindy) Maki of Elizabethtown, PA, Kyle Maki of Fort Novosel, AL, and Kirk (Christina) Maki of Cookeville, TN. Lisamarie was a cherished sister to Lorraine (Darren) Cecil of Richmond, KY, Laura Jean Bowles of Princeton, and Lynn Ann Basso of Princeton; niece to Arlene Basso of Big Bend, CA, and Larry Byrne of Honolulu, HI. Her life was further enriched by the delight of her grandchildren, Miles and Madeline Chewning of Princeton, and her step-grandchildren, Reiganne Maki, Elizabeth, Hannah, and Aria Maki, Mackenzie Maki, Keith Allard, and Nicholas Allard. Her nieces and nephews, Amber Mefford of Marion, Hailey (Brad) Jones of Princeton, Hilary and Hannah Bowels of Princeton, and Tanner, Carly, and Braden Cecil of Richmond, KY, will hold her memory dear.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Byrne Basso, her step-daughter-in-law, Melody Maki, and her step-granddaughter, Devon Allard.
Lisamarie’s life was characterized by her unwavering kindness and her ability to forge friendships that lasted a lifetime. Her presence was a comfort and her laughter a gift. As we say goodbye, we celebrate the profound impact she had on so many and the indelible mark she left on the world. Lisamarie Maki will be deeply missed, but her radiant spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday, August 16, 2024, at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 17, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Father Brad Whistle officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may be made towards the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
