In Memory of Lisa Jill Setterfield
April 18, 1962 - August 21, 2009
In the early days of our organization, as one of Felidae Conservation Fund’s founding board members, Lisa spent countless hours strategizing with Zara on approaches to protect the world’s wild cats and their habitats.
Lisa passed away on August 21st, 2009 in San Francisco. Her interrupted life was rich and full, and her heart was reliably kind and generous. “Lisa and I maintained an ongoing exchange of late night emails for months in our allied journey to unearth a winning course for the planet’s threatened felids. We really believed we could change the minds of the uninformed and the unmoved, and in the same inhalation we would bolster the voices of patrons of the planet and it’s precious ecosystems.”
Lisa never arrived at any gathering or event without a thoughtful and relevant gift in hand. She carried within her a humanity that is rarely seen in this world. She asserted a character that lit the way for others and revealed a deep yearning for integrity and kindness in today’s fragmented landscape. In a system where altruism is an uncommon trend Lisa lived her dedication fully, and with passion.
Lisa had a superior work ethic that was valued by those who enjoyed the benefit of her energy focused in their direction. She was a sensitive being who recognized the intensity of the many challenges we face on planet earth. Her contributions will be sorely missed, yet her essence remains with all of
us.
Obituary and Updates
A Bay Area gathering was held at the Muir Beach Community Center on September 18th, to celebrate the life of Lisa Setterfield.
View more pictures of Lisa here.
Below are letters we have received in response to Lisa's death.
If you would like to post a letter please email it to us at info@felidaefund.org.
Since I'm on the East Coast and can't attend Lisa's memorial, I felt the need to do something for Lisa. I contacted her guide from her Bhutan trek and told him that Lisa passed away. He is leaving on trek in two weeks and we have arranged a small ceremony for Lisa -- he will hang the traditional Tibetan prayer flags on all the high passes they cross in Bhutan -- and on the highest pass, he will perform a "puja" service with the Sherpas on her behalf. If you would let her family know this, I will be most grateful. I know Lisa would like this and I had a need to do something for her. I will certainly be with you in spirit today. - Betsy Barclay
I am thinking of you and Lisa and the surf and the world and the peace
that surpasses all understanding today, Zara.
I am thinking of you and your love in putting this together for her.
I am thinking of you and your fierce sagacity for wanting felines to be
free and live as they should.
I am thinking of Lisa and how you came together so the wild eyes of
cats can look at land and not bars of a cage.
I am thinking of you, Zara.
I am thinking of how you live from what I know so far, and the fact you
have gathered those who still live to celebrate and remember someone
who lived who was very Living at one time.
I am thinking of you, Zara.
I am thinking that I will be very fortunate to have a friend like you
in my own life to come.
I am thinking that I can help the wild eyes of cats wake and blink to
the sun instead of the reflection on metal and concrete.
I am thinking that you are not alone today, Zara.
God is there with you. He really is.
I am thinking that I am glad there is you in this world, Zara.
(((((((YOU))))))))
Today could be hard.
I am thinking of you.
- Margaret O'Hair
Lisa, I am still not reconciled to your passing and miss you each day...most likely forever.
-Love Always, Dave in Seattle
