Lisa Shuttera's Obituary
It is my sad duty to inform you that the world has lost one of its greatest explorers. Lisa Shuttera passed quietly on August 5, 2025 while forcing her husband of almost 25 years to endure the soundtrack to Pride & Prejudice for at least the 100th time (a clear violation of the Geneva Convention).
Lisa lived her life fully and with a devout belief that her understanding of people meant that all she had to do to make someone’s life better was to just love them enough despite the occasional, and sometimes heart-breaking, evidence to the contrary. Nevertheless, she would always try again, believing that she just had to love them more. She was sometimes a confusing mix of strength and self-doubt yet she never failed to rise to any challenge placed before her. It was always just a matter of “working the problem.” She also stubbornly lived life on her own terms despite spending most of her time seeking only to enhance the lives of everyone she cared about even to the detriment to herself.
During her life, Lisa visited six of the seven continents and sailed most of the planet’s seas. She crossed the savannas of Africa, the fjords of Norway, the sands of the Sahara, the glaciers of Iceland and Alaska, the shores of Antartica and the mountains of North Carolina. She sipped wine in Paris, strolled the banks of the Thames, sang along at Broadway shows, learned to make gumbo in New Orleans, and always made sure that wherever she travelled, she experienced all that these places had to offer. Lisa always told everyone she knew that life was to be enjoyed and that no one should avoid new experiences.
She is survived by the three children who gave her the most joy in her life and a husband who, regardless of her occassional annoyance with, she knew always loved her and was good for a ride home. Lisa also leaves behind two grandchildren, one of which inexplicably dubbed her “Migal”, and countless friends with whom she would always share a trip, a smile, or a glass of wine in a celebration of time well spent together. Finally she leaves behind her Maserati that she loved almost as much as she would have loved a vintage Bronco.
Although semi-retired as an paralegal that last spent meaningful time in an office not asking how soon she could leave for Happy Hour over 15 years ago, Lisa found purpose in maximizing her time here on Earth through travel, food, music, and merge games that most could only dream about. Although life was not always easy as she once confessed, “I had a rough childhood, we only had three horses,” Lisa always appreciated her time with her friends and family and knew she was a lucky woman. When asked what she would most want people to know about her, she responded, “I had a great life.” I hope that you find peace in knowing that and also hope you remember her greatest financial advice for a prosperous future - “You can’t repossess vacations.”
What’s your fondest memory of Lisa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lisa?
Share a story where Lisa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lisa you’ll never forget.
How did Lisa make you smile?
