Shirley A. Lucchetti

Of Niagara Falls, NY,  passed away peacefully in the company of her family on April 7, 2026 at Schoellkopf Health Center. 

Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario on April 18, 1935,  to the late James and Minnie [Gregory] Elliott, she was always proud of her Canadian heritage. While she loved to see the Bills and Sabres win, she was, along with her sons, an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

Shirley moved to Niagara Falls, NY to marry the love of her life, Joseph C. Lucchetti, in 1955.  A long-time employee of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and OCAW union leader, he passed away in 1991.

A homemaker, she raised six children and became the much-loved nanny to many more. She especially loved spending holidays with her family, among whom she was famous for her meatballs and zucchini casserole. She was a gardener, canned her own jams, jellies, relishes and pickles and an avid walker, enjoying strolls along the gorge rim.

Baptized into the Anglican church, she later became a Baptist, eventually converting to Catholicism.  She was active in the Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, teacher in the Catholic RCIA and children’s religious education programs, parish counselor, and president of the women's guild at St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus (later St. Raphael’s) parish.

She always took a keen interest in politics and was one of her son-in-law Paul Dyster’s, most dedicated campaign workers.

She is survived by her children;  Rebecca (Paul) Dyster, Deborah (late Thomas) Holody, Michael (Carol) Lucchetti, James (Janet) Lucchetti, Joseph (Gina) Lucchetti, Catherine (Anthony) Calabro, her grandchildren Bert (Kristen) Dyster, Ian Dyster, Erin (Ron) Macri, Jillian (Jesse Napierala) Holody, Mary Lucchetti, James (Emily Szabo) Lucchetti, Liam Hauret, step-daughter Jamie (Justin) Hauret, Gabrielle Lucchetti, Joseph (Ranyell Cabreja) Lucchetti, Olivia Lucchetti, Joseph (Giada) Calabro, Anthony (Lauren) Calabro, Julianna (Ryan Schindler) Calabro, Matthew Calabro,  great grandchildren Vincent Lucchetti, Angelo and Gino Pelligrino, Ronald and Nora Macri, Elliot and Olive Dyster, her brother Don (late Lauranne) Elliott, her sisters-in-law Frances Lucchetti, Eva Elliott and Petra Elliott, her former daughter-in-law Therese (Thompson)  Lucchetti,  her “second family” of Jim and Maureen Ingham and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers James and Patrick Elliott.

Shirley was a woman guided by her deep faith in all she did. Thinking always of others and not herself, she was devoted to her family, a good neighbor, and loved by all who knew her. 

The family wishes to recognize and express deep gratitude to the compassionate and skilled staff of Schoellkopf Health Center who helped her through her final days.

Her family will be present on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 5-7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 1124 Ontario Avenue, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Everyone is invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 10:00 AM at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph,  St. Joseph's Site, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

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