Shirley E. Luby

Shirley Lee Luby, of Laurel, Maryland, transferred to Post Everlasting on July 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her family, fellow veterans, and community.

Born into a family of six children, Lee was the youngest of six siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph "Jack" Luby Jr., and her siblings, Richard, Nancy, George, and Mary Lou. She is survived by her sister, Judy Phillips of Houston, Texas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives she touched.

In 1967, during a pivotal time in our nation's history, Lee answered the call to serve. After her brother George was drafted into military service, Lee and her sister Judy made the courageous decision to enlist as well. She proudly served her country in the United States Army as a Specialist Tech 5 (SP5), beginning a lifetime devoted to service.

Following her military service, Lee enjoyed a long career with an orthopedic medical practice before retiring. Following her retirement, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to the American Legion. What began as a commitment to veterans became her life's passion, and she dedicated countless hours to serving American Legion Post 60, fellow Legionnaires, and the Laurel community. Her service was never about recognition—it was about making a difference in the lives of others.

Lee believed the American Legion was more than an organization—it was a family dedicated to serving veterans, strengthening communities, and ensuring no veteran was ever forgotten.

Throughout her years with the American Legion, Lee served in numerous leadership positions, including several terms as Commander of American Legion Post 60, Prince George's County Commander, and as a member of the Department of Maryland Executive Committee. She also served in many other capacities, always willing to step forward wherever she was needed. Whether mentoring new members, organizing events, or quietly helping behind the scenes, Lee always placed veterans, her fellow Legionnaires, and her community first.

To those who knew her, Lee was far more than the titles she held. She was a mentor, teacher, trusted friend, and respected leader. She believed in encouraging others, developing future leaders, and ensuring the American Legion would continue to thrive for generations to come. Her guidance, compassion, generosity, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Lee's legacy is not measured by the offices she held, but by the lives she changed. Through her leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment to service, she made both her community and the American Legion stronger. Her influence will continue to live on through the countless people she mentored, encouraged, and inspired.

A full American Legion Memorial Service will be held in Lee's honor on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Allen Hall at American Legion Post 60, 2 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707.

Services will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. In keeping with American Legion tradition, the doors to Allen Hall will close once the service begins. No entry will be permitted until the conclusion of the memorial service.

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow. Family, friends, Legionnaires, and all whose lives were touched by Lee are warmly invited to attend and celebrate a life dedicated to service, leadership, and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Shirley Lee Luby to the Casey Cares Foundation, an organization Lee greatly admired for its mission of supporting critically ill children and their families.

To make a donation in Lee's memory, please visit: In Memory of Lee Luby – Casey Cares Foundation.