Lisa Reznikiewicz Obituary | Northampton, MA
Lisa Reznikiewicz’s earthly existence ended on May 6th 2026 after exerting heroic effort in her 54 month long struggle against cancer. With her loving family and partner by her side, surrounded by flowers and the songs of her bird friends that she routinely fed. Lisa died in the personalized oasis of her Northampton tree top apartment, her home of nearly 20 years. Born on March 1st 1968 to Barbara (Baker) and Walter Reznikiewicz, Lisa shared the same birthday as her mother. They also shared a love of music. Lisa would find expression for her wellspring of creativity through playing guitar and banjo. Attending the prestigious Banjo Institute in Tennessee, Lisa would fondly recall meeting Pete Seeger there. Her lifelong love of music would see her take on many supporting roles in the Northampton music scene over the years, at one point travelling to Italy with a local band.
Lisa’s artistic abilities weren’t limited to music. Keeping up the family tradition of coloring Polish Easter Eggs called Pisanki, she created many beautiful designs that will be treasured. Every Thanksgiving we waited in anticipation for her very special chocolate cream pies, small and individually made for each person. Lisa’s incredible culinary skills were honed over years of working in the restaurant industry. At one point Lisa’s Sushi creations were photographed for a magazine. Lisa was a virtuoso brimming with creative energy and once her focus was set on a goal, be it stained glass, furniture refinishing, drawing, wine consulting, garden detailing… she was unstoppable.
Lisa’s adventurous spirit and fearlessness would see her drive across country in a mustang as a young woman. She was always up for a motorcycle ride, loved anything that had to do with the ocean or being on the water. Lisa discovered paddle boarding and took to it naturally. Lisa’s independence of thought and her love of diversity, desire for equity and justice, would fuel a passion that raged out against travesties witnessed on the news. Even in the dark days of the cancer battle, Lisa still managed to print a protest sign and March in the cold rainy Northampton streets showing solidarity at a No Kings rally.
Originally from Holyoke MA. Lisa graduated from Holyoke High School and attended Holyoke Community College. Over the years Lisa assumed a variety of roles; a position at Yankee Candle, managing a music club in Northampton, bartending, restaurant chef, and years as a wine specialist at Table and Vine. Lisa’s small business was called Lisa’s Garden Detailing- “The help you need when you’re in the weeds” Every year her client list would grow solely from word of mouth, raves from customers that inevitably became friends.
In summer, you could find Lisa relaxing at our family cabin at East Otis Reservoir, paddle boarding across the water or enjoying time with her partner Greg at his home in Ware MA. Both places offered the splendid sunsets and quiet peaceful evenings spent by the outdoor fireplace that they enjoyed. Lisa’s unconditional LOVE for ALL people and her adventurous spirit will live on in many hearts. Lisa will be deeply missed by her loving family.
She is survived by:
Her long time devoted partner Greg Haffmans, her Dad Walter, Mom Barbara, Brother Kurt and his husband Wayne, Aunt Linda, Uncle Bob Baker and Wife Louise . Cousins: David Baker and Christopher Baker and wife Melissa. Cousins: David Swidrak. Lynn and Paul Lusignan, Kiele Lusignan and Seth Lusignan, predeceased by Fran Swidrak. Close family friends and dear loved ones: Wanda Lacroix, Elaine Dostie, Mrs. Angela Wright. Dawn Berard and partner Dave, niece Chloe and nephew Nick.
