PORTLAND – Lisa Maria Cerqueira, 20, of Wilton, died tragically at Maine Medical Center in Portland, surrounded by her family and friends, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 27. Lisa was struck by a driver on the Wilton Road, in Farmington, on Feb. 23, and fought courageously for her life for four days.

She was born on July 28, 1986, in Salem, Mass., a daughter of Jose and Durvalina (Pereira) Cerqueira. After moving to Maine in 1991, Lisa and her family resided in Wilton. She attended the local school district and graduated from Mt. Blue High School, Farmington, in 2005. She was currently enrolled at Central Maine Medical Center, to pursue a career in nursing and was employed at Wal-Mart Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician.

Lisa lived with her fiancé, Richard Billian Jr., in Strong, with their German shepherd, Asha. The two of them enjoyed camping, hiking and swimming together and were planning to marry on Aug. 18. Lisa loved spending time with her friends and family and playing with the family pets. Her smile could light up a room and she was famous for her notorious homemade lasagna.

Lisa will be sadly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. She is survived by the love of her life and best friend, Richard Billian Jr.; her parents, Jose and Durvalina Cerqueira, of Wilton; a brother, Danny, and his fiancée, Courtney Ryder, of Wilton; a sister, Linda Uttaro, and her husband, Keith, and their child, Noah, all of Florida; her maternal grandmother, Matilda Pereira, of Peabody, Mass.; her paternal grandmother, Maria Cerqueira, of Wilton; her fiancé’s parents, Rick and Josette Billian, Sr., of Chesterville; several aunts; uncles; cousins and many close friends.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Alberto Pereira.

The family wishes to extend their special thanks to NorthStar Ambulance, Life Flight, Farmington P.D., Farmington Fire Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Memorial Hospital, Central Maine Medical Center, and all of the doctors and nurses in the Special Care Unit 3 at Maine Medical Center (especially Kate, R.N.) for their valiant efforts. Also, thanks to Gary’s House for housing both families, and for the endless support and heartfelt prayers from the community.