Lisa Joy Sarnoff

September 23rd, 2024

I wish I had found this page sooner, my mom was the most sweetest, purest, kindest, and most loving human being to ever walk this earth. She was an amazing mother, best friend, and mentor. She loved her daughters more than everything – she always put us before anything and everything. I still cannot believe to this day that she’s gone. There was never a moment where we didn’t feel loved by her.
She is terribly missed, I love you forever mommy

xoxo
-eden <3

~eden sarnoff
~daughter, lake zurich, il

October 3rd, 2023

It was sad learning the passing of Mrs. Sarnoff , she was a great social studies teacher who cared a lot about students and very hardworking , one of my favorite things about Mrs. Sarnoff was every day in class while taking attendance she would ask the student a question about something , it was very fun , I will miss her and hope she’s in peace now.

~Eydan Orgad
~She was my 7th grade social studies teacher, Skokie, Illinois

August 17th, 2023

My friend just told me about Ms. Sarnoffs passing and I am in disbelief. All throughout middle school she was my favorite teacher who I went to for boy problems or any drama. She helped me get my grades up and now being in college I still remember her and my friends and I will talk about memories from her class. She was the best mentor and such a sweet heart and I am just in disbelief that this ever happened. I’m so glad that I get to hold the best memories with her because I truly will never forget her as a teacher

~Ariel Y
~Student, Skokie IL

August 25th, 2022

I will always accredit Mrs. Sarnoff as my favorite teacher. She was my 8th grade Language Arts Teacher, one of the Student Ambassadors Sponsors, and the Yearbook Sponsor. Some of my best memories include: her sharing that she was in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and showing the class the final credits scene where she was on screen, discussing the books “Night” and “Flowers for Algernon” in class, and the day that she said I could be Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. Mrs. Sarnoff had an unmatched dedication and passion for teaching. She helped her students become not only exceptional readers and writers, but also dedicated volunteers and editors. She made learning fun and exciting; she will be remembered as a true icon. And I would want her to know that I checked my grammar and edited this post many times before submitting it. My sincerest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and students.

~Jimmy Gonzalez-Vicker
~Former Student, Skokie, IL

July 29th, 2022

Ms. Sarnoff was a wonderful teacher and person. She had such a joyful presence and always reminded me of sunshine. She put up with a lot in our class but I never saw her get mad or yell at anyone. She was so kind and I’m so grateful to have known her. My heart goes out to everyone dealing with this loss.

~Mabel Johnston
~Student, Skokie, Illinois

July 19th, 2022

Ms. Sarnoff was a fantastic teacher and person. She was so full of life and had an infectious laugh and smile. I enjoyed having her as a teacher, and learned a lot from her. She had such a great zest for life, and we enjoyed hearing about her different adventures in and out of school. May her memory be a blessing.

~Grace Parikh
~, Las Cruces, NM

July 17th, 2022

Ms Sarnoff was a wonderful teacher and human being I remember I had her in 6th grade for English/reading she was truly a humble person and a inspiration too many people.

I remember when I wasn’t doing so good in her class she took her time off to help me instead. She always had a smile on her face when she taught. I had her 7-8 years ago and it’s truly a blessing I met her.

I was a kid who didn’t know how to succeed. Ms Sarnoff is one of those people who helped me succeed.I hope your at peace.
Thank you for everything
Ms Sarnoff

~A student from Ms Sarnoff English class
~Former student, Skokie illinois

July 16th, 2022

Lisa and I taught different grades for many years and only knew each other as acquaintances. BUT then she came to 6th grade and Sara Tsioles said we hit the jackpot! And she was right. Little did I know I was about to make a new friend whom I loved and cared for greatly. I was so grateful for our lunch bunch! A wonderful group of supportive colleagues and friends who could commiserate, share ideas, ask questions and know it was a safe space to share and talk. Lisa helped create that with her kindness, sense of humor and great teaching experience! I will miss our many talks and her sense of joy and fun. Sigh. XO

~Annie Rutherford
~Friend/coworker, Skokie, IL

July 14th, 2022

Lisa was one of the kindest people I have ever known. I was lucky to work with her the past 14 years at Old Orchard and she was so welcoming when I came. She lived for her family and students. Lisa was a great mentor to me as a mom and absolutely lit up talking about her girls. My daughter and Talia were born about a month apart and we always enjoyed swapping stories of them keeping us on our toes. She was one of the strongest people I know and had the best relationships with her students. She was often a safe space for many and loved by all. I will miss her insight and sense of humor. May her memory be eternal and may your hearts be filled with her love & joy of life for the rest of your days.

~Sara Tsioles
~coworker, Arlington Heights

July 14th, 2022

Lisa and I worked together in the 7th grade briefly, and over that time, I got to know her and appreciate her efforts educating children. She was a hard worker, and dedicated her time (even past working hours) to problem-solving even the most difficult situations.

Beyond that, she always took the time to ask how my family and I were doing, and was a listening ear when I had issues of my own to problem-solve. Having conversations with her was always a pleasure (I’ll never forget when she told me about her water skiing skills). The most poignant thing out of all that was that I always knew she cared about whatever she was doing, and for whom she was doing it. It’s a legacy that inspires my own teaching today.

I know I and OOJH as a whole will miss Lisa. My deepest sympathies and condolences to her family and friends.

~Jacob Ninan
~Colleague, Glenview, IL

July 14th, 2022

Mrs. Sarnoff was my Social Studies teacher and she was an amazing one. The other kids gave her a hard time because of how much a ruckus they would make in her class and I often felt bad for what she had to deal with but deep down I knew that as annoying as they were she cared about them and their well being so much. She did great as a teacher and helped me a lot through the trimesters in our School. When I found out about her being at the hospital I was worried and hope she would be okay and now I’ve been brought to this devastating news. For Mrs. Sarnoff I will continue being strong and never forget my memories with her. May you rest in peace, Lisa Joy Sarnoff.

~Saba Gohar
~Student, Skokie, IL

July 13th, 2022

I am so sorry to hear about Lisa’s passing. Sending love to her family. I grew up with Lisa. We were childhood friends. I have so many fond memories hanging out at the Sylvan home. Lisa’s mom was always so welcoming and kind. Lisa was so smart and talented. I remember going to watch her perform in plays and envied her talents. What a loss of an amazing person!

Laurel (Lewis) Carlson

~Laurel Lewis Carlson
~childhood friend, New Lenox

July 13th, 2022

I had Ms. Sarnoff in 6th grade as a student at OOJH. She was my favorite teacher. She taught me how to embrace my writing in our language arts class, some useful techniques, and very insightful opinions on mine and other students’ writing. She was very kind, loving, and especially very understanding as the rest of our school year was shrouded in the pandemic. One thing about her that I still keep with me was her past dream to become an FBI agent, but she ended up teaching children instead.

Although you are gone, your memory will live on in those you’ve impacted.
Rest in peace Ms. Sarnoff.
We will dearly miss you.

~Lucas Jimenez
~Student, Skokie

July 13th, 2022

I’ve known Lisa for the past 13 years, working at Old Orchard Junior High. She is one of the kindest and most hard-working individuals I have known. Over the years, I got to work with her on a close basis as we were the co-sponsors of the school yearbook. During that time I witnessed how much of herself she put into everything she did, dedicating long hours just to see things turn out perfectly! She easily developed close relationships with both students and co-workers. She will be greatly missed in our community. Sending lots of love and healing to her family.

~Alison Vinkler
~co-worker and friend, Chicago, IL

July 13th, 2022

Sending love and healing from our family to yours. Sofia wanted to say that she was a really good and kind teacher, and we know that she will be missed by all who knew her. – The Ruffner Family

~The Ruffner Family
~Student & Family, Skokie IL

July 13th, 2022

Mrs. Sarnoff was BELOVED by my daughter, Mabel. Mabel often told stories of this delightful and charming social studies teacher. She and my daughter seemed to be kindred spirits. I truly appreciated the thought and effort that Mrs. Sarnoff put into her teaching. She will be greatly missed by her OOJH family.

~Lillian Johnston
~parent of one of Mrs. Sarnoff’s students, Skokie

July 13th, 2022

Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

~Edwin and Caroline
~Friends, Fontana, Wisconsin

July 13th, 2022

Blessings to your family as you mourn.
Comfort to you as you grieve.
Strength to you as you remember.

Lisa and I worked together on the 7th grade team at OOJH this year. She invested in her students, showed that she cared, and her students responded. She was indeed always insightful into her students lives, situations, and predicaments. We would often trade stories about “what works” when caring for the students we shared in our classes.
I will truly miss having her as a supportive, encouraging, and caring friend and colleague.

~Steve Kenmotsu
~Colleague, Skokie, IL

July 13th, 2022

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FOR YOUR LOSS–SHE WAS MUCH TO YOUNG

BARBARA SYLVAN AND MERLE JACOB

~BARBARA SYLVAN
~, Des Plaines

July 12th, 2022

Lisa was my team member and fellow 6th grade ELA teacher for many years. In my early days, she was the other one in our hallway who stayed late nearly every day, perfecting and preparing her lessons until she was satisfied. She was universally loved by students, teachers, and parents. Whenever former students came back, they always wanted to find Mrs. Sarnoff and say hi.
Years ago, Lisa once wrote a narrative essay about being a mom, and she read it aloud as an exemplar for many years. The phrase “I’m the mom!” – with Lisa’s laughter, timbre and tone of surprise – periodically bounced around my head. Now that I am a mom myself, it pops into my brain at least once a week, and it brings a smile to my face. Being a mom was always the thing Lisa was most proud of, and we often shared the joys and challenges of it.
Lisa, thank you for your dedication to OOJH and your friendship. We’ll miss seeing your LISA JOY license plate late into the evening! I am glad you are at peace and no longer in pain, but we will miss you dearly ❤️

~Annie DiMaria
~Colleague & friend, Morton Grove, IL

July 12th, 2022

My first year working at OOJH I was asked to long term sub for Mrs. Sarnoff. She found ways to connect with me and help me with my first big kid job. When she came back, she made time to sit with me and help me transition back to being a TA. She always said hi and took time to check in and talk with me. Her room was always open to me, for whatever reason. I’ll truly miss her.

~Nimira Ehani
~Co worker, Skokie, IL