Shirley passed away on October 22, 2017 in Seattle. Born in Boston, MA on March 10, 1933 to Axel and Karen Pettersen, she was raised in the seaside town of Scituate, MA. A graduate of Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, she worked as a dental hygienist in Boston and especially enjoyed working with children. While in college, she met and eventually married Richard, her husband of 50 years. Richard’s education and career took them to Durham, NC, where their son was born, and across country to Longview, WA, where they welcomed their daughter. The family moved to Federal Way in 1977.

She was a social, active woman, deeply involved in her church and family. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and had a lifelong love of travel. She will be remembered as a kind woman and a loyal friend.

She leaves behind her daughter, Sharon; son, Richard (Becky); and three grandchildren, Samantha, Nathan, and Sidney. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 10 at 2:00 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, 2501 SW 320th Street, Federal Way, 253-927-6969. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Christ Lutheran Church.