In memoriam: Lisa Anne Phipps (1965-2020)

L A smiling at the camera

Our production of She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms is dedicated to the loving memory of LA Phipps and made possible by the generosity of her friends and family.

The stories, quotes, photos, and memories we’ve uncovered of Lisa Anne Phipps (aka LA or LaLa) create a vivacious, joyful, engaging portrait of a woman who touched many lives. The department is honored to be a part of her memory.

Among her many passions, LA loved costume design, theatrical makeup, and fashion design, so her sister and family thought a theatrical production could be a meaningful and FUN way to celebrate a life full of joy and passion.

A slideshow put together for LA’s service in August

LA was born and raised in Norfolk–in adulthood, she spent time traveling and following her passions throughout the country, but her family says Richmond was her true home. She earned a degree in fashion merchandising from VCU in 1989 and started her retail career at Carytown’s Pink Cadillac. LA was a cherished member of the Carytown Merchant’s Community and was most recently the manager of Crème de la Crème, just steps away from her first Carytown love, the Pink Cadillac.

LA was also part of the tight knit Halloween Haunt group at King’s Dominion, where she was able to combine her love of entertaining, acting, and costume design.

 The most precious part of her life, however, was her family that included both her relatives and closest friends. Lisa was never happier than when she was relaxing on the beach with those she loved. She filled their lives with unparalleled empathy, steadfast optimism, radiant joy, immovable faith, and the coolest birthday gifts ever. She never neglected a friend in need or an opportunity to make someone smile. She had a seemingly endless supply of love to give, and made everyone she talked to feel important. LA who cherished the nickname ‘LaLa’ was a devoted daughter, sister, niece, aunt, cousin and amazing friend.

LA’s sister Lindsey Phipps Young and LA’s cousin Brian Lazzaro put together the lovely slideshow of memories (see above) for her service in late August. If you were unable to attend the celebration of her life (in person or watching online), here’s a recording of the moving service. Here’s another slideshow of Richmond memories put together by her friend Shannon Montsinger-Fake (original song by Shannon too!).

LA and family

Lindsey and LA’s close friend Amanda Slone started a GoFundMe to honor her life and proceeds “will go towards celebrating her memory, a scholarship, and a memorial. She was an amazing spunky spirit, and we will be helping that energy continue!” In addition to helping support this production, they have some other amazing plans in the works. You can visit the page here.

l a in front of fish
l a jumping
l a leaning on chair