GRAVESEND — Did you hear the one about the comedian who went back to her Catholic school 30 years later to perform? 

Meet One Funny Lisa Marie, the comedy queen whose hilarious tales of family life’s foibles have made her an internet sensation. 

One Funny Lisa Marie, whose real name is Lisa Marie Riley, grew up in Gravesend and is a graduate of Our Lady of Grace — Class of 1996. She said she is looking forward to returning there to perform on March 13, although she admitted that it will be an emotional night for her.  

“I haven’t been there since I was 14. My whole life was OLG,” she said. “That’s where my life began, really. And it’s where you make forever friends.” 

RELATED: Leader of Notre Dame Sisters Returns to Halls of St. Saviour High School in Brooklyn

She said she has fond memories of her Catholic school days, particularly the times she performed onstage. Back then, she was known as Lisa Marie La Bate (Riley is her married name).  

“I remember when I was Mary in the Stations of the Cross,” she said. 

Everyone at OLG is excited about the return of Riley, said Principal Kelly Wolf.  

“We can’t wait! It will be great to have her onstage once again,” Wolf said, adding that she hopes to give the comedy star a tour of the school.  

“I can’t wait for her to walk the halls and share her memories of her time here,” she explained. 

Equally excited is Riley. “All my friends are coming!” said the comic, who now lives on Staten Island. “OLG is a big family.” 

Riley doesn’t write her comedy bits ahead of time, and she doesn’t expect to do so for the March 13 show.  

“I’m going to do what I usually do,” she explained. “I’m just going to go up there and wing it. Whatever comes into my head is what I say onstage.”  

Comedy is Riley’s second career. She had been working as a court reporter when her life changed in 2019. Her husband, David Riley, was battling cancer, and to help cope with her worry and stress, she started posting videos of herself on Instagram under the name One Funny Lisa Marie, in which she talked about funny aspects of life as a wife, daughter, sister, and mother of a young son. 

Her relatable tales helped her build a loyal following that rapidly grew during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020 as she attracted hundreds of thousands of stuck-at-home fans, including celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Meghan Trainor. 

When the lockdown ended, her newfound career entered a new phase. Riley began touring the country, performing in comedy clubs and concert halls, appearing on “The Today Show” and other television shows, and leaving audiences roaring with laughter. 

Riley said comedy has helped her cope with the tragic loss of her husband, who died in 2022 at the age of 40. She said that she hopes sharing humorous stories can give audiences a lift. 

“I hope people can forget what’s going on in their lives and have a good laugh, even if it’s just for a short time,” she said. 

She is always touched when fans approach her to say that her shows and videos have helped them get through tough times: “I feel honored when that happens.”