Shirley Ann McCaleb Lautigar passed away on May 7, 2023, just after her 75th birthday. Shirley and her husband Ron had been active parishioners at the Basilica until retiring to Alexian Village in 2019. Shirley was the former head of our Altar Ministry, and a dedicated volunteer of our Facilities projects together with her husband Ron, our Facilities Coordinator. Shirley died peacefully in her sleep, of complications from several illnesses that she suffered late in life.
Memorial Mass
A Memorial Mass for Shirley Lautigar will be celebrated at The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Thursday, May 11, at 10:00am, Very Rev. J. David Carter, JCL, JV, Pastor and Rector, officiating. All are invited to come pray for her soul. There will be a reception in Varallo Parish Hall following the Mass.
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, Shirley Ann Lautigar, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away at 75 years of age.
Shirley was born on May 5, 1948 in Lewisburg, Tennessee to the late Edward Hill McCaleb and Grace Lilian Doremus McCaleb. Shirley’s early years were spent in Tennessee and Louisiana. Shirley attended Louisiana Tech University where she met and married Ronald R. Lautigar on November 25, 1968. Their union was blessed with three children; Angela Kay (Bryan) Rotolo, Joseph Edward (Renee) Lautigar, and Jennifer Lynn (Dino) Pihakis. In addition, she is the proud grandmother of three grandsons; Mitchell (Autumn) Lautigar, Jody Lautigar and James Andrew Pihakis and three granddaughters; Kaley Bush, Emma Bush and Lexi Pihakis.
Shirley taught in school while living in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia and finished her career at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The family lived overseas for over 20 years enjoying travel, scuba diving, and experiencing new cultures. After returning to the United States, Shirley and Ron were devoted members of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Shirley was a very talented quilter and sewing enthusiast who shared the fruits of her talent with her family.
Shirley is survived by her husband Ron Lautigar; her children; her sister, Ellie Long Hannigan (Mike) and brothers-in-law Michael Lautigar (Kathleen) and Jerry Lautigar (Linda), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Interment will be a private family event held at a later date.
Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your thoughts and memories of Shirley.
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Photos
Shirley serving at the Basilica's Altar Dedication Mass Dec. 23, 2023
Shirley and Ron attended our May Crowning on Mother's Day 2018.