Elise Burgard Attanasio, age 68, went home to be with the Lord on March 18, 2026, peacefully at home after spending her final days surrounded by family and loved ones.
Elise was born on February 15, 1958, in Norwood, Massachusetts. She attended the University of Maryland Dental Hygiene School, where she pursued a career in dental hygiene, faithfully serving and caring for others with compassion and kindness throughout her life. She married her beloved husband, Ron Attanasio, in 1983. Together they shared a deep love for the field of dentistry and for their five children.
Elise knew Christ as her Savior, and her life was a beautiful testimony of God’s transforming grace. She was a faithful prayer warrior, a devoted wife and mother, and a mentor and friend to many. Her love for the Lord overflowed into every area of her life. She served as the Moms in Prayer Nebraska State Coordinator for many years, faithfully interceding for children, families, and schools, leaving a lasting spiritual impact that will continue for generations.
Elise had a heart of deep compassion and found joy in serving others. She loved gardening, playing her flute, walking outdoors, taking care of her doggies, and creating a warm and welcoming home where everyone felt seen and loved. If you knew Elise, you knew her heart for the Lord and for people. You could hardly pass her by without her asking how you were and often praying for you right then and there.
In recent years, Elise endured Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body Dementia. She gracefully walked the journey with bravery and faith, along with the support of her family, friends, and medical providers. She is now completely free from illness and pain, fully restored in the presence of her Savior.
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
Elise will be remembered as faithful, steadfast, compassionate, and full of love. Her legacy lives on through her family, her ministry in Moms in Prayer, and the countless lives she touched through her prayers and encouragement.
Elise is survived by her husband, Ron Attanasio; her five children: Devon Attanasio; Drew Attanasio (Dani); Doron Attanasio (Alyson); Damaris Messinger (Andrew); and D’Anna Gustafson (Erik); and her cherished grandchildren: Scout, Copeland, and Holland Attanasio; Theodore and Blair Attanasio. She is also survived by Janet Burgard, Edward Burgard III (Sheila), Anne Burgard, Al Attanasio (Sheryl), and numerous family members and friends.
Elise was preceded in death by Edward Burgard, Barbara Burgard, and Joseph and Louise Attanasio.
A celebration of Elise’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at 1:00pm at Lincoln City Church, 5001 S. 1st St, Lincoln, NE 68512. In honor of Elise’s cheerful presence, springtime colors are welcome for attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to Moms in Prayer International. Support Our Mission | Moms In Prayer International
Dear Ron and family I’m so sorry. May our Lord, who is the Lord of all comfort hold you and comfort you all now and always. Lee was my dear friend and tennis doubles partner in high school. I am so grateful and thankful that are sisters in Christ. Knowing we will see one another again.
Dear Ron and family. May our Lord, the Lord of all comfort hold you and comfort you now and always. I’m so very thankful and thankful that Lee and I are sisters in Christ. We will see one another again.
Elise loved her gardening. That’s how we met at the apartments; the leasing manager had a spring flower planting party. One of the dearest sweetest ladies I have ever met. Heaven has gained an angel. So thankful for her beautiful Christian friendship that she gave me.
Ron and family, although we lived far apart in different States, Bette and I always remember celebrating your wedding day in Maryland. It saddens our hearts to hear of the passing of Elise. Her gentile smile and loving heart will never be forgotten. May her loving spirit guide you all always.
She is one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life honestly!!!… I will miss her joy and you lovely view of life… She was a beautiful person for sure!!!
I was blessed to meet Elise at the Moms in Prayer State Coordinator retreat in CA in 2017, my first year as Mississippi’s State Coordinator.
Her quiet, gentle spirit and most beautiful smile is what I will remember. My prayers are with you all. 🙏🏻❤️
I loved seeing Elise and Ron at the dog park, almost as much as my dogs did! Her smile will forever be etched in my mind as one of the most welcoming and beautiful I’ve seen. I cherish the memories we had during the brief moments our lives intersected.
I am so thankful for the life of my Christian sister, Elise! I had the privilege of praying with and for Elise, her family, and her service as Nebraska State Coordinator for Moms In Prayer. Elise’s love for God and her family always shown through. Her beautiful smile and caring attitude encouraged everyone around her. I can picture Elise coming face-to-face with Jesus whom she’s so loved and hearing him say to her, “ Well done, good and faithful servant. Come and enjoy the place that I have prepared for you.” I am praying for God to comfort Elise’s loved ones who were always so precious to her. May God give them his comfort and a glimpse of Elise’s extreme joy in the very presence of God as they wait to join her there for the ultimate family reunion.
What a deeply inspiring and beautiful obituary. I know Elise was deeply loved by family and friends. She will live forever in hearts of whom she touched. Sending love, thoughts and prayers to family.
Attanasio family, I am sending blessings for all of you at this time of loss. I knew Elise through our work in Dental Hygiene. Her caring nature with patients was a wonderful example of her sweet loving nature. Many were blessed to have known and worked with her.
I enjoyed so much knowing Elise from First Free Church and also Lincoln Christian. Many times I observed her using her green thumb out in front of the high school as I came to work, pruning the bushes, and carefully caring for the landscaping that kept our school’s front entrance so beautiful. I also can testify that she helped raise wonderful children, three of whom I had the pleasure to teach Family & Consumer Science. I can testify to her devotion to Jesus, as I observed her worshiping her Lord on many Sundays from the choir loft at First Free. She inspired me in my own worship! Sending prayers on the family’s loss of such a beautiful person – both inside and outside.
So well said Jennifer Definitely a gift to so many. Thankful for having met her through Lincoln Christian. ❤️✝️
Elise loved her Lord and her precious family SO much! It was my great privilege to walk with her during her journey as Nebraska State Coordinator for Moms in Prayer International. She had a passion and a sweet, gentle spirit that prompted others to join with her. I was both encouraged and challenged by her heart to walk authentically with her God. Her prayers for her family members and her state will linger before God’s throne of grace as He answers each one in His timing. I rejoice that suffering is over and that Elise is in her forever home with her Savior. Praying for God’s peace to surround her grieving family & we, her friends.
Dr Ron and family, I just heard of Elise’s home going. She was so very kind and caring. Such a gentle spirit.
I’m so glad Kim brought her over to see me not too long ago. She came to visit Don shortly before he passed.
She was an absolute joy to be around.
Praying God will strengthen you and give you peace in the days ahead.
My dear Damaris, what an amazing obit describing your mom. She was incredible and surely you all will feel the loss forever, as your love for her is everlasting. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron, my sympathy and prayers for your family and boundless. I have never known a family more devoted to God than yours. I love your family with all my heart. It was an honour to know her. She radiated her faith-just like you.
I (Sandy) will never forget how gracious and kind Lee was to me and our family when we were new to LCS. She was truly welcoming and encouraging!
We spent much time in prayer together for our boys while at LCS. She was a kind, gentle and thoughtful person who was thinking of and always praying for others!
She is indeed free now, and for this while in grief we can rejoice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron and all the children and grandchildren.
I knew Elise through Moms In Prayer Nebraska. She came to demonstrate to new people how to follow the prayer guide and steps. She drove from Lincoln to Omaha and stayed long even after her job was done to answer questions and shared encouragement. What a faithful servant of God and a gentle spirit among us willing to sacrifice her own comfort to serve and exemplify what the love of God is! Now she has rested from her work and service and rest in the Lord. May God comfort her loved ones on earth and be inspired by Elise’ example in loving and following Jesus! God comfort her family and friends.
Elise was a kind passionate, and godly woman. I met her through MIP group and experienced her goodness and godly character. I miss her very much! I will see her in the future in heaven. Oh, our heavenly father, have mercy on her family–her husband and children… Bless them.
Because the Attanasio kids attended the same school where I taught, I had the opportunity to interact with Elise at various school functions. I distinctly remember walking away from our conversations feeling encouraged and inspired to continue to live out my faith. While I have not had the privilege of interacting with her for several years, Elise became a friend of the heart to my mom as they spent hours praying together. She will be missed, but I am so glad that she is whole again and in the presence of Jesus. Praying for all of you as you adjust to life without this wonderful woman.
Elise was a wonderful friend to me and encourager! As Spanish is my first language, Elise will often practice and speak Spanish with me. I met Elise through Mom’s in Prayer. My 2 kids and I enjoyed Elise and her husband Ron company in several occasions (i.e. put put golf). A woman of faith, valor, love and strength!! Thank you for the wonderful example of friendship!!! Until we meet again mi amiga y hermana en Cristo!!!
Until we meet again my friend and sister in Christ!!!
I had the joy of serving alongside Elise in Moms in Prayer International as the Iowa State Coordinator. We were always travel buddies to and from California for the annual state coordinator gathering. We would meet in Omaha to catch our flight and Elise would always take along her atlas so we could look at each other’s states. She would also make sure that we would quiz each other on the names of all the other state coordinators so that we would remember their names when we all arrived in CA. Also, each year when Elise and I were in an airport for a layover, she had to find a particular type of sucker. Sadly, I can’t remember the name of the brand but I have a sweet picture of her in an airport holding the sucker wrapped in gold foil.
I have so many wonderful memories of Elise through Moms in Prayer and it was always such a joy to pray with her. I would describe Elise as “beautiful inside and out.” It was so evident that she loved her Lord.
God used Elise to touch my life and to be such a blessing to me. I’m already looking forward to seeing and being with her in heaven.
Beautiful Elise’s faith is now sight. She has heard her precious Lord and Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, Elise.”
Praying for all of you as you miss her and grieve her passing. Thank you so much for live-streaming Elise’s memorial service. Elise was honored and God was glorified!
Attanasio Family,
Elise was such a gift to so many, but I want to share how she specifically blessed our family.
Elise was a fantastic mentor to my wife through Moms in Prayer; during a time when we struggled to experience meaningful connection with other believers.
Elise’s warmth and generosity with her time helped my wife feel seen and understood, and her prayers for my wife and our family will always be cherished. I believe it was Elise who helped gently push my wife to find her voice and use her gifts with more confidence, which has been a blessing to her, our family, and countless others.
I also want to share how beautiful I found your individual remembrances to be during the celebration of life service. To see you each grieve with hope was a powerful testimony of your love for your wife and mother, and to the faith in Christ you share with her.
May you continue to find joy in your memories and be sustained in your grief by the hope and truth that death is not the end for those in Christ Jesus.
Dr Attanasio: I just found out about your wife’s passing, I am very saddened about it, my husband and I can’t hardly believe it, may the love of our dear Lord be with you and your dear family always.