Memorial Services Set for Beloved Ridgefield Teacher

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Lisa M. Annunziato, 57, of Ridgefield, peacefully passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019 surrounded by family at her home in Ridgefield.

Annunziato was a teacher at Ridgefield Academy for 21 years.

"It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Lisa Annunziato," the school announced on Facebook. "Lisa began a medical leave last November and fought a courageous battle against brain cancer during that time."

According to her death notice, Annunziato was born in Manhattan, New York to Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Claudia Martimucci on October 12, 1961. She went to New Canaan High School, where she met her husband, John, and graduated in 1979. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, and then earned her Master of Arts in History from Western Connecticut State University.

Annunziato was "passionate about education, especially her work with math and history, and was deeply committed to her students, her school, and the craft of teaching," the school eulogized in social media. "She developed deep and meaningful relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, and was highly effective in the classroom. Without a doubt, she was RA, through and through. Students of all ages enjoyed visiting her classroom for a quick check-in and a visit with her therapy dog, Rory." She is survived by her husband, John, of Ridgefield, and their two daughters, Desiree and Christina, both of whom attended Ridgefield Academy. In her personal time, she enjoyed reading, taking her dog for walks, British television, exploring New York City and Philadelphia with her daughters, and spending time with her family.

The funeral will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Canaan at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, with Father Justin Crisp of St. Mark's Episcopal Church officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital: http://giftfunds.stjude.org/annunziatomemorial