In Loving Memory of Lauri Callaghan Witte
Lauri Callaghan Witte, 60, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2025. Born on November 10, 1964, and raised in New Castle, Delaware, she was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, niece and friend to so many.
Lauri was predeceased in death by her parents, Eugene and Joan Callaghan, and her brother, Eugene Callaghan Jr., and Darryl Witte.
She is survived by her three beloved daughters, Lauren Marie, Joan Nicole (Mike), and Taylor Ann. Lauri will be missed by her four siblings, Sister John Elizabeth OSFS, Kevin (Cindy), Sean (Marcie) and John (Nancie) and her sister-in-law, Mary Ann. She had many nieces and nephews who adored her. All are heartbroken at the loss of such an incredible person, but lovingly remember the beautiful memories made with her. Lauri’s most cherished role was that of a grandmother to her granddaughter, Mila Harper, whom fondly called her Mimi.
Lauri was born into a Catholic Irish family as one of six children. She was blessed to have a fun and adventurous childhood playing in the “clay pit” with her siblings and cousins. She attended St. Peter’s School New Castle then St. Elizabeth’s High School, graduating in 1982. She continued to enrich her faith by daily rosary decades for the person whose name she would pull from her personal prayer list.
Lauri had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together. She had a knack for making everyone and anyone feel welcome. The ultimate host, she always had an open door and was happiest when her home was filled with family and friends - especially in the summer, laughing and telling stories around her pool.
Family was everything to Lauri and her greatest joy was spending time with loved ones recounting old memories and making new traditions. Her passion for family history took her to Ireland for the trip of a lifetime to research her family’s roots and connect with distant relatives.
She never wasted a moment and filled her free time with hobbies, volunteer work, and lofty home improvement projects. Lauri could lend you any power tool, kitchen appliance or crafting supply on the market - and never met a project too intimidating to undertake.
Truly selfless throughout her entire life, Lauri dedicated countless hours to serving others whether it was at the polls, the St. Helena’s, St. Peter’s or Mt. Aviat. Often sewing beautiful quilts that would be auctioned off for charity. Though Lauri’s passing leaves an unfillable void in many lives, she leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and countless cherished memories with everyone she touched.
We will celebrate Lauri at a viewing on January 24, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. Overflow parking will be available at the adjacent Brandywine YMCA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25th at 10:00am at St. Peter Church, 521 Harmony Street, New Castle, followed by a burial service at the Oblate Sisters’ Cemetery (Mt. Aviat Academy), 399 Child’s Road, Childs, MD.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Mount Aviat Academy for a special playground item. Donations can be made online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/LauriWitte or by sending a check to Mount Aviat Academy 399 Childs Road, Childs, MD 21916.
