Dr. Lisa A. Freedman Shephard

On March 22, 2026, Dr. Lisa Freedman Shephard passed away after a brief illness. In her last days, she was surrounded by those she loved: her children, Aaron, Sam, and Sydney; her husband Andy Shephard, and her lifelong friend, Tom Kennedy.

Lisa Ann Freedman was born on March 15th , 1961, in Ithaca N.Y. She attended Cornell University, graduating with honors in Biology. She went on to earn her medical degree from Upstate Medical University, where she specialized in obstetrics and gynecology.

As a physician, Lisa embraced the full humanity of her patients, treating them always with warmth and kindness. She took the time to inquire about more than just their symptoms; she listened to their family stories, asked about their favorite recipes, knew the names of their children, and cared about their day-to-day struggles and hopes.

In 1992 Lisa married Philip Lim and together they raised their children in a house filled with laughter, music, good food, and many friends. And while she loved to travel with her children, what Lisa treasured most were nights at home, cooking, knitting, playing board games with the kids, and enjoying the sound of a happy home. Through all life’s storms and challenges, Lisa’s love for her children sustained and inspired her.

A gifted chef with a talent for entertaining, Lisa never missed an opportunity to celebrate the holidays—any holiday—from Chinese New Year to Passover to the fourth of July. There was always room for one more guest, always enough food for seconds or even thirds. The bounty of Lisa’s table was a reflection of her great generosity and her welcoming spirit. Her patients became friends, her friends became family, and her family was at the center of every celebration. In the opening prayer of the Passover seder, the prophet declares, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” Lisa Freedman lived her life everyday with that spirit of openness, compassion, and giving.

After spending most of her life working and raising her family in Syracuse, Lisa lived in Cazenovia which is where she met Andy. They eventually returned to Ithaca where she and Andy spent the past five years savoring the music, food, and vibrant community of her beloved hometown.

Lisa Freedman Shephard was predeceased by her mother Barbara Grossman Freedman and her father William Freedman. She is survived by her son Aaron Lim (Claudia Weaver), Sam Lim (Abby DeMarkey), and Sydney Lim (Ben Sawin); her ex- husband Philip Lim, her husband Andy Shephard; and by her close friend Tom Kennedy (Ann Ryan).

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Lisa Freedman Shephard may be made to the Tompkins County SPCA.