Former New Orleanian Lisa Kaufman dies in FL, is buried in Dallas

LISA ANN KAUFMAN, a former community volunteer and pre-school teacher, died after a brief illness on January 27, 2025, in Weston, Florida, with family members at her side. She was 60.

LISA KAUFMAN

Judaism was a cornerstone of her identity, Kaufman was a valued member of the synagogue boards wherever she lived. She was a leader in her passionate support of Israel, even embarking on a mission delivering supplies.

She was a beloved teacher at the New Orleans Jewish Community Pre-School as well as at other Jewish preschools in Charlotte, N.C., Dallas and New York for over a quarter of a century, touching countless young lives in immeasurable ways. Parents often requested her class, knowing she would treat each child as her own. Her potty-training skills became the stuff of neighborhood legend and parents continued seeking her advice in many areas long after their children had moved to higher grades.

She married the love of her life, Harold Kaufman, in 1990. Lisa’s family was her greatest pride and joy, and she lived each day with unwavering love and dedication to them. She poured her heart into raising her sons with strong values and the best experiences life could offer including the attendance at an unreasonable number of NBA and MLB games(except, on a school night in the early years) during her husband’s 35+ year career as an executive for the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets (Pelicans) and the New York Mets.

Perhaps her best gift was in her ability to nurture beyond the classroom. She believed in assuming that everyone was trying to do their best. People often confided in her because they knew she would provide empathy and support instead of passing judgment. She believed that “if we see the best in people, we can help them shine.”

She, herself, shined. She radiated warmth, kindness and a profound joy that touched those fortunate enough to know her. She made everyone feel like they were her best friend. And even when life was hard, it rarely dimmed her sunny disposition. It seemed like it was her personal mission to spread love wherever she went.

Kaufman followed her husband from Charlotte to New Orleans and for a time in Dallas after Hurricane Katrina. They returned to work with the Hornets, which changed names to the Pelicans in 2013. They moved again to New York when Harold took a major role with the New York Mets organization. In recent years they were living in Florida.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 35+ years, Harold Kaufman and her two sons, Stanley and Alex. A service to celebrate her life was held on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025 at Shearith Israel Memorial Park in Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Lisa Kaufman to the New Orleans Jewish Community Center – Early Childhood Center Scholarships, where she was a board member and preschool teacher for many years.