Jean “Shug” Tani Soldo

Shug Soldo, 84, passed away peacefully at her residence in Highlands, North Carolina, surrounded by her husband, her three children, and her two grandchildren.

If you were ever lucky enough to know Shug Soldo, you know exactly what that meant: you ate well, you celebrated, you laughed, and you left every interaction with a sense of belonging and true friendship. She was cheeky and playful, with a sense of humor that could lighten any mood. She knew every word to her endless list of favorite songs, and she was a fearless dancer who never needed much of an excuse. Her smile was infectious. It was her gift, and she gave it generously.

Shug built a meaningful career as an executive assistant with H.I. Development, where she worked and traveled the world for 15 years. She went on to channel her extraordinary culinary talents into her own catering business, The Lazy Gourmet, which she owned with her late friend Mary Carolyn Puckett. So many discovered what we already knew — that a meal made by Shug was something you simply could not forget.

She was a dedicated member of the Summer Chapel in Highlands, where she spent many summer mornings surrounded by music and a community she cherished.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, she was the daughter of the late John Battista Tani and Mary Ambrosio Tani. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Michael Joseph “MJ” Soldo; her three children, Mia Soldo Hanson (Robert), Paige Soldo Kauffmann (John) and Sean Soldo; her two grandchildren, Lindsay Hanson Fox (Peter) and Sam Hanson (Megan); three step-grandchildren Lyssa (Eric), James Peter, and Declan; one step-great-grandchild, Ezra; two sisters, Shirley Raymond and Patricia Cox; one brother, John Tani; and seven nieces and nephews.

As her family, we didn't think we'd be writing this so soon. She had so much life in her still to live, and her loss — due to complications from a brain aneurysm — is one that feels profoundly unfair. She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, friends who will forever remember her warmth and her table, and a legacy that can be measured in every meal shared and each guest made to feel at home.

She fed people. In every sense of the word.

A Celebration of Life for Shug will be held on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Summer Chapel. A reception to follow at The Orchard Barn in Cashiers, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 919 Cashiers, NC 28717, or Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau at P.O. Box 1812 Cashiers, NC 28717.

Arrangements through Macon Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.