Annette Shapiro Lutz
January 16, 2024

ANNETTE S. (SHAPIRO) LUTZ: Passed away serenely on January 16, 2024. Wife of Daniel, mother of Alvin (Leslie Lutz), Roslyn, and Irwin (Regina Lutz); grandmother to Sam (Gretchen), Justin (Rita), and Jennifer; mother-in-law to Randy Sarner; pillar of her Bethel community, Annette was more than loved; she was celebrated. 

Annette Lutz led a big life, filled with family and community. She had an inner strength, sharp intellect, and quick humor that made her a true matriarch to her family. At 97, she still insisted on seeing her children to the door and waving them goodbye. Annette was the sort of woman you wanted holding your hand through anything and everything in life; her family was blessed to hold her hand as she left this one. A lifetime lover of yoga, she was practicing namaste, even in her final moments. 

Along with her family, her love of the arts, and a life filled with travel, Annette’s Jewish faith was the foundation of her life.  

As a young woman, she enjoyed her work at the Jewish Forum. A committed member of Bethel, Annette was a champion of women’s rights and was active in the Bethel Sisterhood, Pioneer Women, and Hadassah. Some would say she practically built the Synagogue. She loved her community and could often be found sharing a drink with close friends, Leslie Clifford and Maury Duel. 

Annette’s love of the arts and her excitement of life took her around the world and made her a fixture at Pittsburgh’s theatres, operas, and symphonies. Sharing her joy of life with her family, Annette kept clippings from Gilbert Loves Day Trips and regularly took them on weekend adventures.  

She gave her family plenty of valuable advice and as they think of her at this time, they remember the smile on her face when she said, “If you have the chance to go somewhere, go.” 

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Interment Shaare Torah Cemetery. www.schugar.com

Condolences

So very sorry to hear about Annette's passing. I remember driving my mother to visit Annette. They had such a good time. Please accept my condolences on your loss.