Lisa Schwedel was born on March 31, 1960 to Renee and Bob Schwedel. She grew up in the Miami area.
Even at a young age, Lisa had an affinity for other cultural experiences and languages. At age 13, instead of a bat mitzvah, Lisa chose to go to Israel for the summer. There she lived in a kibbutz where she learned the Hebrew language. After graduating Miami Beach High School in 1978 she spent an academic year abroad studying French language/literature, culture and business. Lisa then went to the University of Florida, majored in French and graduated with BA 1984. Lisa continued her education at the University of Southern California where she studied teaching English Language as a second language and obtained an M.S. Teaching English as a second language in 1993.
In 1994 she embarked on a career as a self employed ESL instructor and tutor.
She taught English to adults virtually and in person, creating her own materials and using the book “Speak English Like the Americans”. She hosted free weekly conservation groups.
Lisa loved languages and took pride in being quadrilingual (English, Spanish, French,and Hebrew)
Lisa lived in California for 16 years, but returned to Florida in 2003. In 2015 she left the USA to live in San Miguel Allende, and Merida.
During the last 3-4 years of her life, Lisa suffered from COPD, making it difficult for her to be physically active, and getting out and about.
Despite the physical challenges, Lisa joined the Merida IWC and was an active and valued volunteer at the Estancia Nueva Vida, where she taught the girls beading. She also was a member of the Merida English Library and she was a frequent patron there. Books and reading were important to her.
Lisa passed away during her sleep on October 15th 2024 in San Miguel de Allende. She recently moved back to San Miguel and was relieved that it was not so hot there.
Lisa leaves behind her mother Renee, who also became an IWC member in 2023 and was grateful to the club members for the friendship and support they offered Lisa.
”May your spirit forever be free”