As many of you may know, our dear friend Lisa Buckley’s life partner of 10+ years, Lombardo, passed away two months ago (complications from a childhood congenital heart condition).

I recently visited Lisa in Puerto Vallarta:

Lisa is doing as well as can be expected. She is grateful that Lombardo’s sister and the Yelapa community have covered all his medical and end-of-life expenses, so Lisa does not have to carry the debt.

However, Lisa needs to figure out her next steps to ensure she can keep her apartment and set herself up for a sustainable future. Lombardo and Lisa split expenses 50/50, and suddenly Lisa is tasked with covering his half. This has been complicated by an unfinished renovation project Lombardo undertook to surprise Lisa while she was working in upstate NY this summer. Sadly, she had only returned four days before his passing. Although only back for a short time, she is grateful to have been by his side.

I set up this ‘go-fund-me’ to raise a few months' rent and living expenses to help get her bearings and finish the latest project Lombardo started toward making their modest converted taqueria a forever home. Lisa had enough savings to get through October and to cover some of the unfinished work. She now has to hire help to complete the current project and is currently living in a construction zone. These funds will go a long way over the next few months while she moves through the grieving process and figures out a path forward.

Lisa no longer has reliable seasonal work in the States as the Cliff House, where she worked for 20+ years, has permanently closed. Puerto Vallarta is her home now, and she plans to make a go of it on her own but needs a little runway until she lands her next job. She already has a lead on a lovely bar/restaurant 20 minutes from her home, but it is harder for a gringa to find work in MX. With her hospitality experience, she is confident the perfect place is right around the corner.

With gratitude- Love & Light.

Tracey Sylvester