Obituary: Lisa Ann Derbacher Matusovich, 60, of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT - (From Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home) Lisa Ann Derbacher Matusovich, 60, of Hamden, passed away on February 6, 2022 surrounded by her family.

She was born in New Haven on January 25, 1962 to the late Barbara Neumann Derbacher and Joseph Derbacher of Hamden. She met her husband Robert in 1979, married in 1986, and eventually had their only child; a daughter named Kolby.

Lisa graduated from Hamden High School in 1980, and then later had a career as a hairdresser for almost 40 years. For the past 12 years she co-owned Belle Cheveux Salon in Cheshire.

Lisa also was the office manager at The Joan Lynn Dance Company; the very studio where her daughter has been dancing for over 20 years.

Lisa was a ray of sunshine to all who knew her and was the most kind and thoughtful person you would ever meet. She was always making birthday cakes for her co-workers and friends, so that they could celebrate their special day.

When Lisa wasn’t working, she loved to spend time with her husband and daughter. She loved to travel and one of her favorite places to visit was Texas-specifically Waco. She was a huge fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

She also enjoyed going to rock concerts with her husband and daughter. She loved all animals, and leaves behind three dogs, Maizie, Star, and Oliver, and a cat, Chloe. Lisa also loved to go to the beach and go shopping-she always said that as long as she had her keys and a full tank of gas, there wasn’t any destination too far.

Her Wednesday nights were occupied by her adult tap class, which she was proudly a member of for the past 15 years.

One of her favorite life mottos was, “Suck it up, Buttercup.” Lisa believed that you could face any obstacle thrown at you with a positive mindset, along with a will to succeed.

Besides her husband Robert, her daughter Kolby, and her father Joseph, Lisa will be lovingly remembered by her sister Susan Derbacher (Ann Ruggiero) and countless other relatives and friends.

Her entire family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Johanna LaSala and the nursing staff on the 9th floor of Smilow Cancer Hospital for their kindness and warmth.

Friends are invited to join Lisa’s family on Friday, February 11th for a Memorial Mass celebrating her life at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave, Hamden.

Burial will be private. BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements.

Donations in Lisa’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate.