Maryann "Lisa" Starke, 77, of Schofield, WI lost her battle with Dementia on March 3, 2024, with her family by her side.

She went by her middle name Lisa to those who knew her well. She was the oldest of three born to Joseph & Martha Navarra on June 21, 1946 in Brooklyn, NY.

After high school and some time to travel and spread her wings she married, Arnold Starke. They made a home on Long Island, NY. It was there that they added to their family by adopting 3 brothers, James, Robert & Matthew, making a home for them. They later divorced but stayed close friends as they lived their separate lives.

The dementia may have taken a lot from her, but never robbed her of her love of her god, Jehovah. And, it never kept her from sharing her hope for the future from others. She dedicated her life to him as one of Jehovah's Witnesses shortly after adopting the boys and her faith always remained strong, even when her body and mind started to fail her. She was part of the Rib Mountain Congregation at the time of her death. She loved reading and always had her bible on hand in the seat of her walker.

She moved to Florida about 20 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed working for Disney & Sea World. She could talk for hours about her time working as a ride operator for the "It's a Small World" ride. She worked at the park until the dementia forced her to finally retire. It was at that time that her family moved her to Wisconsin to have her closer to them to be able to care for her.

She is predeceased in death by her ex-husband, Arnold Starke . Her son Matthew Starke. And, her nephew, Robbie Navarra.

She is survived by her brother, Fred (Evelyn) Navarra, NY. Her sister Martha Navarra, FL. Her son James Starke, NY. Her son Robert (Dawn) Starke, WI. Four grandchildren, Lisa Marie Starke, NY. James Starke Jr, NY. Cortney (Kyle) Crewell, NY. Lindsay (Aaron) Stegall, WI. Two great-grandchildren and one coming in May. Colton & Grayson Crewell, NY. Lincoln Stegall (soon to make his arrival in May), WI. Nieces and Nephew. Tracy (Joe) Ward, NY. Tarinee (David) Karczewski, PA. Christopher (Crystal) Navarra, NY. Alison (Colin) Bonitz, NY. Great- grand nieces & nephews. Caleb & Colby Ward, NY. Milo, Camden & Everly Karczewski, PA. Addison & Brady Bonitz, NY.

A memorial service is set for June 22, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Rib Mountain, WI.