A tribute to Lisa Shattock

14 June 2026

One year on, the loss of former Director of Marketing and Communications at SSAFA, Lisa Shattock, is still felt profoundly by those who knew and loved her. Friends, family and colleagues continue to remember a remarkable woman whose compassion and drive left a lasting mark on everyone around her.

Lisa worked for SSAFA from 2017 to 2022, where she quickly became known as an energetic, formidable and hugely respected presence within the organisation. Colleagues remember her as intelligent, fiercely capable and utterly committed -someone whose pace, standards and determination lifted everyone around her.
As her husband Alex put it simply: “Lisa was a force of nature.”

She was also someone who believed deeply in duty, service and the importance of helping others. It was one of the reasons SSAFA’s work resonated so strongly with her and why, as well as working for us, she volunteered for her local branch.

Family sat at the absolute centre of Lisa’s life. She leaves behind her husband Alex, daughter Zara and son Oli, alongside her parents and brother.

Alex described Lisa as a giver - with her time, her energy, her support and her love. Whether in work, friendship or family life, she approached everything wholeheartedly. Her work ethic was extraordinary. Colleagues often joked that Lisa operating at 60 per cent was equivalent to most people operating at 150 per cent.

Even during illness, she remained determined, resilient and focused on the people around her, continuing to work until just four days before her death.

Lisa had a passion for travel, languages and experiences. She wanted her children to see the world, embrace life and approach it with curiosity and courage. Alex said she taught Zara and Oli to be passionate about life and to throw themselves into it fully - exactly as she did herself.

In keeping with her character, Lisa left very few instructions before her death, too busy helping and organising others to put herself first. One of the only wishes she made clear was that she wanted to leave a legacy to SSAFA short breaks to enable serving families with children with additional needs to enjoy time together away from the pressures of military life. Her kindness has allowed families to make cherished memories and get the respite they so desperately needed.

Those who knew Lisa speak not only of what she achieved, but of the force of personality behind it - direct, sharp, uncompromising, loyal and deeply caring.

The loss she leaves behind is immeasurable.

Lisa lives on not only in the work she did, but in the family, she adored, the people she championed and the lasting impression she left on everyone who knew her.

Our thoughts are with Alex, Zara, Oli and all who loved her.