Lisa Benkert Auel

Lisa Benkert Auel, age 65, passed away on November 15, 2025, surrounded by her family, all of whom loved her beyond measure.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Thomas Saunders, and their two children, Caroline Marian Saunders and Haley Colleen Saunders. Lisa is also survived by her siblings and their spouses: Gretchen Meadows (Craig), Juliana Auel (Robert Whomsley), Adam Auel (Kari), John Auel (Patricia), and BethAnn Romeo (John); and also by brothers and sisters in-law: Jim Saunders (Diana), Stephen Saunders (Maia), and Charlie Saunders (Mary). Lisa’s 13 nieces and nephews survive her. Lisa’s parents, Carl and Marian Auel, preceded her in death, as did Lisa’s parents-in-law, Jim and Prickett Saunders.

Lisa was born in San Diego, California on October 3, 1960. Lisa and Tom met and dated in high school in Pensacola, Florida, connected again at their ten-year high school reunion, and were married in Washington, D.C. in 1991. They loved each other deeply and built a life together that they both cherished. After several years in Washington, Lisa and Tom moved with their growing family to the Duck Pond Historic District in Gainesville, Florida. In 2007, the family moved again to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and established their home in Mt. Lebanon.

Lisa graduated from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. While they lived in Washington, she received a Master's degree in American Studies from George Washington University. During that time Lisa was an Archivist and then an Exhibit Curator at the National Archives, where she curated special exhibits that focused on and highlighted the humanity of our nation’s history. When they moved to Florida, Lisa served as the Executive Director of the Matheson Historical Museum in Gainesville. After relocating to Pittsburgh, Lisa loved her work at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, where she served as the Manager of Audience Programs and Archives.

Lisa Auel was an inspiration to all who knew her. Lisa will be remembered with love at a memorial service on December 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Heinz Memorial Chapel in Pittsburgh. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Arrangements by John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lisa Benkert Auel, please visit our floral store.