Following Patrick Swayze’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2009, Lisa dedicated herself to advocacy, becoming the National Spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN). Her supportive family upbringing likely prepared her for the period of loss and her commitment to helping others.
The Massive Finnish-American Family
Lisa Anne Haapaniemi (she shortened her surname to Niemi for the stage) was born in Houston, Texas, in 1956. Her parents, Edmond Melvin Haapaniemi and Edna Karin Haapaniemi (née Hyttinen), raised a total of six children.
The Only Daughter
Lisa holds the unique distinction of being the only daughter among the six children. Her parents, a Red Cross worker and a registered nurse, raised an active, athletic, and close-knit family with a strong Finnish heritage.
The five other children in the family are her five brothers, making the full count of Lisa Niemi siblings five.
Fun Fact: The family name, Haapaniemi, means “Aspen Cape” in English. Lisa shortened it to Niemi, meaning “Cape,” for her stage career in 1977.
Five Protective Brothers: The Niemi (Haapaniemi) Siblings
While Lisa remains private about her brothers, reports suggest they played a significant role in her active childhood. Unlike Patrick Swayze’s brother, Lisa’s siblings have maintained careers outside the entertainment industry.
Details about her brothers—such as their specific names and current professional lives—are kept private. This is a common practice for families who choose to avoid the intense media scrutiny that comes with having a globally famous sibling.
The family’s emphasis on privacy ensures that her brothers can lead normal, quiet lives, even as Lisa continues her public work as a director and advocate.
A Continuing Legacy and The Swayze Connection
Following Patrick Swayze’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2009, Lisa dedicated herself to advocacy, becoming the National Spokesperson for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Her supportive family upbringing likely prepared her for the period of loss and her commitment to helping others.
In 2014, Lisa Niemi married jeweler Albert DePrisco, a transition she addressed publicly. She has often spoken about her first love, making it clear that finding happiness again did not diminish the 34 years she shared with Patrick.
Lisa Niemi’s focus in 2025 remains on her directorial and writing projects, as well as her role as a health advocate.
Her siblings continue to offer her private support as she navigates her highly visible public life.
Lisa Niemi Swayze’s strength stems not only from her decades-long marriage to Patrick but also from the foundation built by her large, unique family. As the only daughter surrounded by five brothers, her story is one of determination, resilience, and quiet family devotion.
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CONCLUSION
Lisa Niemi (born Haapaniemi) is the only daughter among six children raised by her Finnish-American parents. She has five brothers, whose names and careers outside of entertainment remain private, ensuring they avoid media scrutiny. This unique, large family foundation contributed to Lisa’s strength. Following Patrick Swayze’s 2009 death, Lisa dedicated herself to advocacy for PanCAN, marrying Albert DePrisco in 2014. Her siblings offer continued private support as she pursues her writing, directing, and advocacy work in 2025.
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