Celebrating the life of
Louise Vaughn Lauretti
April 18, 1959 - September 21, 2014
Louise Vaughn Lauretti, age 55, passed away Sunday, September 21, after an unflinching battle with melanoma. She was surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home. Grace, determination, tenacity, courage, humor, intellectual curiosity and profound concern defined Louise’s fight with cancer, just as these principles guided her through each day of a life that has indelibly impacted so many.
Louise was born on April 18, 1959, in San Diego, California, the first-born daughter of the late Irene and Don Vaughn. She is one of four siblings, including brothers Donald and Thomas, and sister, Leslie, all of San Diego. She is survived by her loving husband, Scott, her daughters, Sofia, 19, and Gabriella, 17, a strong extended family and an amazing array of friends.
Louise graduated from Point Loma High School in San Diego in 1977 and matriculated to the University of Southern California, obtaining a bachelors of arts degree in psychology. The native Southern Californian left for the considerably colder climes of Boston, Massachusetts, to begin a career in finance. Two years later, Louise relocated to New York City, continuing work as an institutional securities salesperson. In 1991, she enrolled in graduate school at Yale University, where she earned a masters degree in public policy and management. She then resumed her career in New York, serving as a public finance professional for Kidder, Peabody and Co. and J.P. Morgan.
In 2001, Louise and Scott collaborated on a decision that they have celebrated every day since: They moved their young family of four to a city to which they had no tangible connections – Savannah – driven by desire to live beautiful and dignified lives steeped in the authenticity and community of the South. Thirteen years ago, neither Louise nor Scott imagined the warmth of the embrace with which their adopted home would squeeze them and their girls. Louise’s love for Savannah, her history and wonderful people have been unwavering since her first day as a resident.
Louise was active in many local organizations, serving on the boards of the Savannah Country Day School, Armstrong Atlantic University Foundation, Bethesda Women's Board and Historic Savannah Foundation. While raising teenage girls, she earned a degree from Armstrong in math education. She spent recent summers, in spite of her illness, working with children at Horizons Savannah, an educational enrichment program for low-income students.
While Louise achieved many successes, family always came first for her. She was a dedicated wife and mother with boundless energy, and she consistently put others’ interests ahead of her own. She ran marathons (achieving a personal best of 3 hours 25 minutes), was an accomplished snow skier, and climbed mountains from Patagonia to Europe to the American West.
Louise was a committed and active Catholic, blessed with immutable Faith. She taught Sunday School to 6th graders at St. James parish for several years, before joining the Cathedral parish community when the family moved to its current home in the Historic District.
A Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to: The Louise Vaughn Lauretti Fight On Fund for Melanoma Care and Research, c/o The Savannah Community Foundation, 7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Ste. 102, Savannah, GA 31406.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Dear Louise, I never thought for one minute you would lose your battle with cancer. I am heartbroken to lose my friend. Your are a great mother, and a great wife. You raised your girls beautiful, and strong, and they will follow in your footsteps. To Scott, Sofia, and Gabby you were blessed to have Louise as your wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peter, Kathy, Alexander and Nick Nowicki
- Kathy Camilli, New York, NY
I will miss Louise. She was a wonderful person and a very fine friend.
- Tom Reilly, Savannah, GA
We had the privilege of getting to know Louise because she allowed us to care for the family pet Emmy, who we have right now. She was a caring wonderful, giving lady. Emmy always watched her leave with intensity and went crazy when she came back for her. She and the Lauretti family opened their home to us on St Patricks Day. I can't believe she is gone. I knew of her battle, but her attitude and zest for life did not prepare us for what was to come. It's not very often you meet people that just have this kindness about them, but Louise did. We are praying for your family during this time and loving and comforting Emmy who loved her so much.
- Mike and Rene Green, Savannah, Ga
Dear Scott, Sophia, and Gaby, Our hearts are saddened but we are richer for the light that Louise brought to all of us. May the memories of all the wonderful memories and good times shared continue to illuminate and lift your spirits during these difficult hours. All of our love, Sherry and Gene
- Sherry Jacobson , Gene Zuriff, New York City, NY
Scott, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Louise. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May she forever rest in peace....
- Kent and Danielle Woo, Savannah, Ga
If what they say is true--that one may know the tree by its fruit--then I had the privilege to know Louise as an inspiring, loving, intelligent, strong, spirited, and dignified lady who passed her best qualities to her beautiful daughters. What I have learned of her life makes me wish I had known her personally. To Sofia and Gabby I say, you are longing for your mother's physical presence now and grieving that loss, but she will continue to speak to you in ways you can never imagine. You carry her with you everywhere you go. With my love and prayers, Mrs. Cap
- Sophia Caparisos, Savannah, Ga
Dear Scott, Sofia and Gabriella, We are so very sorry. Louise was full of determination and great spirit. Our hope is that this very spirit will bring you comfort in all the days ahead. Norm & Renee
- Norm & Renee, savannah, ga
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Betty Ann & Chris Di Silvesteo
- Betty Ann & Chris Di Silvestro, Savannah, Ga
Although we were neighbors, we saw Louise most often at the fitness center. She was a bundle of energy, always on the move, but she made time for a broad smile and a quick chat. She was a delight to encounter. We will miss her.
- Marty and Mary Vernick, Savannah, GA
We will always keep Louise in our hearts and through that her memory will never fade. She will always be in our thoughts and our family will never forget the goodness and love she had given to all. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to you- Scott, Sofia, and Gabby.
- The senkowski family, Savannah, Ga
May the source of peace bring peace to all who are mourning. May her memory be a blessing. Thoughts and prayers to her incredible girls, to Scott and to all who knew her best.
- The Nash Family, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. The Lauretti family is in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
- Jennifer Carroll, Portland, OR
Dear Scott, Sofia, and Gabriella; We are so very saddened to hear of your heartbreak. Please know that we are lifting you all in prayer as you mourn your beautiful and very much loved wife and mom, Louise.
- Jerry and Phil Ferguson-Weaver, Carlisle, PA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. F. P. Wortley & staff
- F.P. WORTLEY & STAFF, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Scott, I was so saddened to learn of your wife's passing. I know she fought a valiant fight against melanoma. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your children. God bless you all at this very very hard time, and always. Sincerely, Dale Carlson-Bebout
- Dale Carlson-Bebout, Savannah , GA
The prayers and thoughts of the Panagos family go out to Scott and the girls ...May Louise's memory be eternal .... Greg
- Greg Panagos, Berkeley Heights , NJ
Scott, I am very sorry to read of Louise's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
- Kevin Smith, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry for your loss. Louise was an amazing person. The first time I met her I was compelled to tell her that she is beautiful and actually, I told her more than once. And she was. She was a natural beauty but it was more than the way she looked. She had a certain je ne sais quoi. Reflecting back now, I still can't adequately describe her presence. She was a light that shined. She had such an ease and grace to her. She made the world a better place and she will be greatly missed.
- Suzanne Pablo, Savannah , GA
We were truly saddened to hear this news. We had such a fine conversation with you at the Bleicken's. We regret we will be unable to attend the service. I will miss her at ASU. John and Marilyn Sobkde
- John and Marilyn Sobke, Savannah, GA
Scott, Sofia and Gabriella, We are sending prayers and wishes for comfort in these very difficult days. There are few words to express how much our hearts go out to you, and wish there was something meaningful we could do or say. Louise lives on so beautifully and wonderfully in those amazing young women you raised together. Hold them close and then watch them soar thanks to your and Louise's love and strength. Yours, Candance, Dan and Aunt Jackie
- Candance Chow and Family, Evanston, IL
To the Lauretti family ,I am so sorry for your loss death is not a very easy. thing to bear , But did you know that the Bible holds out a hope for a resurrection for our love ones?Well it dose please read John 5:28,29 this scripture will give family comfort and hope. Again I am sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
Dear Scott, Sofia and Gabriella, I know that there are no words that can begin to describe the great loss that you are experiencing right now. Louise was a leader in the Catholic Church and she was and always will be an inspiration to me. She is at peace with the Good Lord and we must be thankful for that. I am praying for your comfort and enlightenment and I will continue praying indefinitely.
- Blaine Twibell, Savannah, GA
Dear Scott & Family, I hope you know that the Lord RAN to meet Louise as she arrived in Heaven. He took her in His arms, held her close and dried her tears. You are in our prayers. May your many happy memories sustain you through this difficult time.
- Bob & Rosemary Longueira, Savannah, GA
Scott, Guerry and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jeanne & Guerry Conrade, Savannah, Georgia
I will always cherish the fun times Louise and I had playing tennis together. What a special person she was. Praying for you and your family.
- Vanne Hanberry, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Becky Buelvas-Nowicki, Savannah, GA
Dear Louise, I never thought for one minute you would lose your battle with cancer. I am heartbroken to lose my friend. Your are a great mother, and a great wife. You raised your girls beautiful, and strong, and they will follow in your footsteps. To Scott, Sofia, and Gabby you were blessed to have Louise as your wife and mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peter, Kathy, Alexander and Nick Nowicki
- Kathy Camilli, New York, NY
I will miss Louise. She was a wonderful person and a very fine friend.
- Tom Reilly, Savannah, GA
We had the privilege of getting to know Louise because she allowed us to care for the family pet Emmy, who we have right now. She was a caring wonderful, giving lady. Emmy always watched her leave with intensity and went crazy when she came back for her. She and the Lauretti family opened their home to us on St Patricks Day. I can't believe she is gone. I knew of her battle, but her attitude and zest for life did not prepare us for what was to come. It's not very often you meet people that just have this kindness about them, but Louise did. We are praying for your family during this time and loving and comforting Emmy who loved her so much.
- Mike and Rene Green, Savannah, Ga
Dear Scott, Sophia, and Gaby, Our hearts are saddened but we are richer for the light that Louise brought to all of us. May the memories of all the wonderful memories and good times shared continue to illuminate and lift your spirits during these difficult hours. All of our love, Sherry and Gene
- Sherry Jacobson , Gene Zuriff, New York City, NY
Scott, We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Louise. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May she forever rest in peace....
- Kent and Danielle Woo, Savannah, Ga
If what they say is true--that one may know the tree by its fruit--then I had the privilege to know Louise as an inspiring, loving, intelligent, strong, spirited, and dignified lady who passed her best qualities to her beautiful daughters. What I have learned of her life makes me wish I had known her personally. To Sofia and Gabby I say, you are longing for your mother's physical presence now and grieving that loss, but she will continue to speak to you in ways you can never imagine. You carry her with you everywhere you go. With my love and prayers, Mrs. Cap
- Sophia Caparisos, Savannah, Ga
Dear Scott, Sofia and Gabriella, We are so very sorry. Louise was full of determination and great spirit. Our hope is that this very spirit will bring you comfort in all the days ahead. Norm & Renee
- Norm & Renee, savannah, ga
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Betty Ann & Chris Di Silvesteo
- Betty Ann & Chris Di Silvestro, Savannah, Ga
Although we were neighbors, we saw Louise most often at the fitness center. She was a bundle of energy, always on the move, but she made time for a broad smile and a quick chat. She was a delight to encounter. We will miss her.
- Marty and Mary Vernick, Savannah, GA
We will always keep Louise in our hearts and through that her memory will never fade. She will always be in our thoughts and our family will never forget the goodness and love she had given to all. Our thoughts and prayers reach out to you- Scott, Sofia, and Gabby.
- The senkowski family, Savannah, Ga
May the source of peace bring peace to all who are mourning. May her memory be a blessing. Thoughts and prayers to her incredible girls, to Scott and to all who knew her best.
- The Nash Family, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. The Lauretti family is in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
- Jennifer Carroll, Portland, OR
Dear Scott, Sofia, and Gabriella; We are so very saddened to hear of your heartbreak. Please know that we are lifting you all in prayer as you mourn your beautiful and very much loved wife and mom, Louise.
- Jerry and Phil Ferguson-Weaver, Carlisle, PA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. F. P. Wortley & staff
- F.P. WORTLEY & STAFF, SAVANNAH, GA
Dear Scott, I was so saddened to learn of your wife's passing. I know she fought a valiant fight against melanoma. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your children. God bless you all at this very very hard time, and always. Sincerely, Dale Carlson-Bebout
- Dale Carlson-Bebout, Savannah , GA
The prayers and thoughts of the Panagos family go out to Scott and the girls ...May Louise's memory be eternal .... Greg
- Greg Panagos, Berkeley Heights , NJ
Scott, I am very sorry to read of Louise's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
- Kevin Smith, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry for your loss. Louise was an amazing person. The first time I met her I was compelled to tell her that she is beautiful and actually, I told her more than once. And she was. She was a natural beauty but it was more than the way she looked. She had a certain je ne sais quoi. Reflecting back now, I still can't adequately describe her presence. She was a light that shined. She had such an ease and grace to her. She made the world a better place and she will be greatly missed.
- Suzanne Pablo, Savannah , GA
We were truly saddened to hear this news. We had such a fine conversation with you at the Bleicken's. We regret we will be unable to attend the service. I will miss her at ASU. John and Marilyn Sobkde
- John and Marilyn Sobke, Savannah, GA
Scott, Sofia and Gabriella, We are sending prayers and wishes for comfort in these very difficult days. There are few words to express how much our hearts go out to you, and wish there was something meaningful we could do or say. Louise lives on so beautifully and wonderfully in those amazing young women you raised together. Hold them close and then watch them soar thanks to your and Louise's love and strength. Yours, Candance, Dan and Aunt Jackie
- Candance Chow and Family, Evanston, IL
To the Lauretti family ,I am so sorry for your loss death is not a very easy. thing to bear , But did you know that the Bible holds out a hope for a resurrection for our love ones?Well it dose please read John 5:28,29 this scripture will give family comfort and hope. Again I am sorry for your loss.
- Mary cooper, Savannah, Ga
Dear Scott, Sofia and Gabriella, I know that there are no words that can begin to describe the great loss that you are experiencing right now. Louise was a leader in the Catholic Church and she was and always will be an inspiration to me. She is at peace with the Good Lord and we must be thankful for that. I am praying for your comfort and enlightenment and I will continue praying indefinitely.
- Blaine Twibell, Savannah, GA
Dear Scott & Family, I hope you know that the Lord RAN to meet Louise as she arrived in Heaven. He took her in His arms, held her close and dried her tears. You are in our prayers. May your many happy memories sustain you through this difficult time.
- Bob & Rosemary Longueira, Savannah, GA
Scott, Guerry and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- Jeanne & Guerry Conrade, Savannah, Georgia
I will always cherish the fun times Louise and I had playing tennis together. What a special person she was. Praying for you and your family.
- Vanne Hanberry, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
- Becky Buelvas-Nowicki, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
