Shirley Lang

There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.

Obituary

Shirley Lang, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away too soon on August 10, 2025, at the age of 62. She resided at 1665 Lamplighter Dr. in Macungie, PA, and is survived by her spouse of 22 years, Tina Rauch; her children Courtney Verhauz (husband, Stephen and granddaughter, London), Samantha Lang, Chelsea Lang, and John Lang; her mother Thu Nguyen; her three brothers Carsen Kontir, Kirk Kontir, and Tyrohne Kontir; and Kevin Lang, father of the deceased's children.

Shirley was someone of uncommon warmth and kindness - and the brightest light this world has ever known. Her legacy includes  countless individuals that she has impacted with her generosity and compassion.  She was a real estate agent for the past 11 years, most recently with Better Homes & Garden Valley Partners. She was also a past member of the LGBTQ Business Council, a volunteer at the Essentials Cafe, and an active member of Lehigh Valley Aging in Place, the Society of the Arts, and the Emmaus Rotary Club. Shirley had a way of making everyone feel valued and appreciated, always ready with a kind word or a helping hand. Her home was often the gathering place for joyful celebrations, home-cooked meals, warmth, and laughter.

Her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her extraordinary life. 

A private celebration of Shirley's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the East Penn Feeding program, a charity close to Shirley’s heart. Please see the link below in the "Donate" section.

Gallery

Memory wall

October 30, 2025

Dearest Tina and Family, So very sorry to just learn about Shirley's passing- She was such a bright, friendly, uplifting and inspiring person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Much love, Martha and Zoey Dog from the Ridings

Martha Westbrook

October 21, 2025

We are saddened to hear of Shirley"s death. She was a neighbor to our daughter on Townsquare Drive. When our daughter Sheila Bridget died suddenly in Dec. 2023, she reached out to us with kindness and compassion. She helped us close the earthly chapter of our daughter"s life and assisted in the sale of her home. We will always think of Shirley as an angel for us during that difficult time. She had genuine compassion not often found today. We know Sheila Bridget was in the crowd that greeted Shirley in heaven and hugged her for her kindness to us. God bless you Shirley!
Sheila and Ted Wilk

Sheila Wilk

October 20, 2025

Shirley will always have a special place in my heart. She was such a kind and loving person, and we shared many happy times raising our children together. My prayers and condolences to her family!

Diane Bucha

October 20, 2025

Shirley was my friend, neighbor and sold my house before we moved to Florida. She had such a good heart and was one of the sweetest people I know. I am so sad to hear this news. My deepest sympathy goes out to Tina and family.

Melanie Ricciardi

October 20, 2025

Deepest sympathy for your loss, as well as the respective loss shared by ALL who knew her - this news came as a total shock, and she will be missed terribly by both us, as well as everyone whose life she touched in only the way Shirl could manage to do so.

Susan Ho, Mike G

October 20, 2025

Shirley helped me buy my first house and I will never forget how helpful and kind she was. She was truly a special person and it showed in how she treated people. My sympathies to the Lang family.

Rich Takacs

October 20, 2025

We are so sorry to here of your loss. Shirley was a wonderful person. She will surely be missed, especially her kindness and bright light.

Maryanne and David Groner

September 13, 2025

Tina, family, friends:
Tribute lives in every day that we choose to summon the kindness, the curiosity, the courage, the generosity that Shirley so selflessly shared with each of us to now share with family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, strangers.

We remember the gifts, the visits, the adventures, the conversations, the miracles of belonging and accepting and choosing to be brave enough to tell hard truths and determine to change difficult circumstances. To always be the helpers in this unkind and chaotic world.

Shirley taught me many unspoken lessons. To protect and defend and embrace and engage and celebrate the people we love. To accept our own disappointments, and discover how to forgive ourselves. To learn how to move past our struggle, our pain, our anger, and even our fear and our inertia.

Each of us carries Shirley's absence with us in our hearts, our memories, and our bones. Each of us holds Tina's enormous burden of grief and heartbreak in our hands.

It is impossible to know how the course of this family's life has been altered. I choose to believe that Shirley's extraordinary love and joy, her endless comfort and enduring compassion, will accompany each of them, all the days of their lives.

Marilyn Roberts

September 7, 2025

Tina,

It is with heartfelt sympathy and my deepest condolences to you and your family that I find myself is utter shock and disbelief at the passing of Shirley.

Shirl’s smile, laugh, generosity, and flair for living life to the fullest will be forever etched in my heart and mind.

It has been quite some time since we enjoyed each other’s company but no matter the time in between we always picked up where we left off with such ease of a true and lasting friendship.

Holding loving memories near, we pray that the light and love of Shirl continues to shine brightly through everyone she loved.

Deb Miller

September 3, 2025

Lang Family,

I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to the entire family.
Shirl was a friend and one of the nicest people I ever met on this Earth.
I will miss her. I just found this out.

Kenny Dick

August 29, 2025

How blessed am I to have had this most joyful beautiful person touch my life. She was one of my absolute favorite people who brought such joy to everyone she met and would light up a room like no other. I have such great memories to hold in my heart and bring a smile on my face when I think of her. The world will never be the same without her. Yet her light and love are carried in every person she met. Until we meet again my friend, you are loved.

Carol

August 27, 2025

I’m so sad to hear about this, Mrs. Lang was like a second mom growing up. I have so many fond memories from vacations with her and her family. Recently I was telling someone about how she made us go to the salt and pepper shaker museum haha! Apparently there is only one of them! And when we deal with a bad server at a restaurant (or similar) I always remember her saying “hey, their day might be going terribly, or something else might be going on in their life”. I really don’t have any bad memories with Mrs. Lang, she was such an amazing person. My heart goes out to her family/kids.

David Bucha

August 27, 2025

I am absolutely heartbroken about my old friend Shirley. We were once very close, and I loved her so much.
Shirley was lit from within, incandescent. The only thing that eclipsed her physical beauty, was her inner beauty and soul. I will miss her forever.
Tina, Courtney, Samantha, Chelsea, John and Kevin, and to all of her family, you are all in my thoughts and heart.
R.I.P. Sweet Angel.
With love,
Edie/ Mrs. Oswald

edyie A oswald

August 23, 2025

I’m not quite sure how to put this into words, but here it goes. From the very first time I met Shirley, I knew she was a truly special, kind, and loving soul who radiated light and warmth. Over the years, working with her as a colleague in real estate and getting to know her and Tina as friends—(Shirley lovingly named us the “Besties”)—we also came to know and cherish Shirley and Tina’s family.

Doug and I have felt a deep sense of belonging, embraced not just as friends but as part of their family. Our lives have been immeasurably enriched, as have the lives of the hundreds of others who were fortunate enough to cross paths with Shirley. Her presence blessed everyone she encountered.

Though she left us far too soon, she has left an indelible mark—her kindness, her love, and her radiant personality will remain with us forever.

Doug here now. So many vacations. So many meals. So many drinks. (Thanks Tina!) so much laughter and a few tears. And now we’re left constantly running into sooo many memories. You are so missed, even though in many ways you’re still with us.

May you rest in peace, our dear, dear friend, Shirley Lang. Love forever Bob and Doug.

Bob Dieter and Doug Jantzi

August 21, 2025

Our sweet friend Shirl- you were such a bright light in our lives and brought so much joy with your smile and genuine, kind heart. You always knew how to make anything fun and loved a good adventure. We will always treasure the good times we shared together. We can still hear you saying how much you loved the "forkbird" garden ornament we brought you back from North Carolina. You were a kid at heart and gave so much to everyone you knew. Your light will always shine bright and we are fortunate to have called you our dear friend. We love you and miss you terribly. Our hearts go out to your family and all the other lives you have lovingly touched over the years near and far. We know you will always be watching over all of us and sending signs from above "Shirley style" with the utmost heartfelt love. Rest in Peace, beautiful soul.

Kristina & Vinny Fattorusso

August 19, 2025

I met Shirley through our real estate careers. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her on the other side of transactions and on GLVR Board committees. She was one of the most caring, kind, and professional ladies I am proud to call a friend. Her smile lit up the room. I will miss her as well as our entire Realtor community. Prayers of comfort and strength for her family. Rest in Peace, my friend!

Barbara Gorman

August 19, 2025

Shirley was the first person I met entering first grade. Her mom had put her hair in ringlet curls and she was the cutest, smiliest person I had ever seen. We hit it off immediately holding hands during our scary first day of school. We spent every weekend together after that having 'sleep-overs' as girls' did in those days. When at Warba Drive, my dad would 'tuck us in' and mom would wake us up singing 'Good Morning' and make these little sausages called 'smokies' that we ate for breakfast. Shirley and I both remembered those days so fondly. When we had a sleep over at Shirley's house, we had her 3 brothers to contend with! What fun! Mostly I loved sitting at the kitchen table at her house listening to her mom tell stories about Vietnam. My love of travel started there; thank you Shirley!!!. During elementary school we took dance classes together and along with Karen (Rafalko) Berg performed a little ditty to The Carpenter's 'Close to you'. Shirley's mom did our hair in little ringlets and our costumes were pink and light blue. I think I can still remember the first 8 counts! 🙂 At her first wedding my mom proclaimed Shirley 'the prettiest bride she had ever seen' (Luckily I was still single! :)). We went separate ways after Parkland High School but met up from time to time often at Twin Woods Golf Course where we would reminisce about our youth. We were supposed to get together again in October and I just can't believe that opportunity has slipped away. I am a better person for having known you, Shirley. Our Dad's are waiting for you.... I will always love you. Karen.

Karen Johnston

August 18, 2025

Shirley truly made a pivotal impact on our lives. She must have looked at a thousand homes for us before finding us the right one. She introduced us to her daughter Samatha who also pitched in to help find a house. She also welcomed us into her home for many laughs and created good memories. Shirl was such a bright spot in our lives and we are saddened that our time with her was cut so short. Shirl, you now have those angels wings and I’m sure you already have the bedazzled. Tina, whatever you need we are just a phone call away. To her family, our deepest condolences and may the many memories carry you through this rough time.

Cookie and Lori Koch

August 18, 2025

I was saddened to hear of Shirley’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with her last summer on a rental, and I will always remember her as a kind, professional, and genuinely caring person. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Stephanie York

August 18, 2025

I was honored to meet Shirley several times through business events. She always took the time to talk with us, and was incredibly warm and inviting. I didn't know her well, but I know that the world lost an incredible light. Much love and condolences to her family and friends.

Susan Smith

August 17, 2025

Although I did not know Shirley well, she was already an incredible part of our Emmaus Rotary Club. Already taking leadership roles. Her Classification talk was truly inspirantional. We'll miss you Shirley

Gordon Reese

August 17, 2025

Shirley was so so sweet and really brightened up a room. My favorite memory was when I just moved to PA, and Shirley invited my family and I over for dinner because we had barely any furniture and couldn’t cook lots of meals. She was so welcoming and really made me feel comfortable especially in a new neighborhood.
Im praying for her family and friends during this difficult time❤️

Kenzie Dono

August 17, 2025

She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

Joe Mannino

August 17, 2025

Shirley welcomed my family and I as her new neighbors with such generosity and warmth. She had us over for a wonderful meal and an evening of fun and silly conversation. Shirley was a huge part in making PA feel like home. We only knew Shirley for a short time, yet her friendship and the kindness she showed will be everlasting in our hearts. Sending love and prayers to all those in Shirley’s life.

Aisling Dono

August 17, 2025

So very sad to hear of Shirley's passing! Her smile was contagious and her spirit and passion for others was comendable! Shirley will be missed by all especially the real estate community! Hugs to her family and friends.

Lisa Wright

August 16, 2025

With love

Fitzgerald family

August 16, 2025

I only had the chance to meet Aunt Shirley a handful of times, but each time she welcomed me with such love and generosity. She always made a point to check on me and ask if I needed anything, which meant so much, especially as an in-law finding my place in the family. I’ll always remember her kind smile, her playful banter, and the genuine warmth she carried with her everywhere.

It was also clear what an incredible mother she was, something I could see right away in Samantha and Chelsea. She raised them with so much love and strength, and that is a legacy that will continue to shine through them.

Though the space she leaves behind can never be filled, her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her. Thank you for everything Birthday Twin! I’ll be raising a Bloody Mary with you every year.

Nicholas Lui

August 16, 2025

I remember Shirley from early childhood. Her mom was my den mother for cub scouts. She always had a smile that lit up a room. So kind and warm. And so sad that she had to leave us. Rest In Peace Shirley! Will miss you! 😢🙏🙏🙏

Ernest Smith

August 15, 2025

I knew Shirley from school, growing up in the Allentown area. Honestly, she was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Just a great soul with a sweet smile 😊 Rest in peace Shirley and God bless you.

Steve Kraycik

August 15, 2025

Shirley, brought incredible positive energy to the Emmaus Rotary Club and is missed by all of us, but her light shines on.

Eric Loch

August 15, 2025

Shirley was the ultimate friend. She was there when you needed her, to listen to your troubles, to challenge you to see another point of view and to encourage you to follow your dreams. I will “Shirley” miss my friend.

John Kuchar

August 14, 2025

Courtney, Sammi, Chelsea and John - I was shocked and saddened to hear of your mom's passing. She was truly a ray of sunshine and an incredibly giving, caring person. After not seeing her for many years, I ran into her recently and, like the proud mama she was, she caught me up on what you were all up to. She seemed so happy. I am so, so sorry for your profound loss. You are all in my prayers.

Jeanne-Marie Maiale

August 14, 2025

shock and dismay.. so much sadness to hear about this a couple days ago and now to read if officially.. such a sweet person.
while i didn’t know Shirley well, if one knew her at all, you knew what she was.
caring is probably the best single word i can think of.. i hope she is okay with that one word choice.. RIP sweet Shirley 💕

bruce montgomery

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