Lisa Marie Bragg-Hurlburt, 56, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at her apartment.

Lisa was born on August 22, 1969, in Woodruff, Wisconsin. Shortly after, her parents Don and Rose built their home in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. As the eldest sibling, Lisa became the "ring leader" of her five siblings Don, Bob, John, Laurie, and Bill. She cherished these memories throughout her adulthood crediting her love for nature to her childhood spent in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Lisa graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1987 where teachers recognized early on that she had a natural talent for writing. Later on she earned a bachelor's degree in Comparative Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Women's Studies from UW-Eau Claire in 1995. Following her graduation, she married Jon Hurlburt, formerly of Cornell, Wisconsin, and became the loving stepmother of Jonathan, Susan, and David Hurlburt.

While living in their home on Omaha Street in Eau Claire, Lisa and Jon welcomed their son Michael, and daughter Emma. In February 2008, the family moved to Colfax and welcomed their youngest child Leila two months later.

Throughout the years wherever Lisa resided, she was able to make it feel like home. She took great pride in caring for her flower gardens and creating beautiful, elaborate decorations throughout her home. She found joy in making her surroundings "unique and eccentric", as she used to say. Her creative and artistic mind was evident in everything she did. In recent years, Lisa made her home in a lakeside apartment located in the city of Eau Claire, where she created a peaceful and welcoming space that reflected her personality. She often expressed gratitude for the tranquility, independence, and comfort it brought her. Her love for her family and the home she created will be remembered by all who knew her.

Lisa worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, but her most meaningful role was serving as the Library Director at the Colfax Public Library. She dedicated herself to making the library not only a place of learning, but also a welcoming and safe space for everyone who walked through its doors. The patrons she met each day inspired her to continue striving to make the library the best it could be. In her personal life, she often spoke about the library patrons as though they were members of her own family. The relationships she built there meant more to her than words could express, and this included her beloved coworkers Jolene and Jess.

Lisa's many interests included reading, antique shopping, decorating, gardening, creating art, going on walks, and helping others. She found great joy in serving her community and quietly made a difference in the lives of countless people. One of her most recent passions was helping the Little Food Pantry in the Colfax Municipal Building thrive and reach those in need. Above all else, Lisa took pride in being a loving sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering care for others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Lisa was preceded in death by her brother, Don Bragg; her sister-in-law, Hope (Pruden) Bragg; her nephew, Kenny Bragg; her niece, Beth Bragg; and her former parents-in-law, Bud and Jane (Ellis) Hurlburt.

She is survived by her children, Michael Hurlburt of Menomonie, Emma Hurlburt (Forrest Blodgett) of Mondovi, and Leila Hurlburt (Eli Ralph) of Colfax; her parents, Don and Rose (Bayer) Bragg of Rhinelander, Wisconsin; her stepchildren, Jonathan Hurlburt (Alicia Rendon), Susan Johnston (Jay Johnston), and David Hurlburt, all of Eau Claire; and her beloved grandchildren, Jackson, Oliver, August, and Flora; her siblings: Bob Bragg (Nancy Hopkins) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; John Bragg (Jim Houzner) of Jersey City, New Jersey; Laurie Bragg-Valaskey (Mark Valaskey) of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; and Bill Bragg (Maiko Chu) of Bradenton, Florida. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Details regarding Lisa's inurnment and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Sampson Funeral Home, Colfax is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com