Shirley Charnell, who died Jan. 20, is remembered by friends and associates for her civic involvement in Federal Way.

Charnell, a past recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, “was always working for the betterment of her community in every shape or form,” said Mary Davies, a lifelong friend.

Charnell’s volunteer activities included the Historical Society of Federal Way, Federal Way Community Council (including two years as president), the Chamber of Commerce, Candlestick Players of Federal Way, the District Court site selection committee, the community plan committee, Soroptimist International and Boys and Girls Club.

She was president of League of Women Voters of South King County, represented Federal Way on the King County Policy Development Committee and served with Municipal League, United Way and groups dealing with courts and Forward Thrust.

Then-governor Dan Evans appointed her to the Washington Women’s Council for four years.

In 1988, she helped organize the historical society which continues today. The group honored her at a luncheon in December 1966 when she moved to Puyallup.

Charnell was born Nov. 9, 1933 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She moved at an early age with her grandparents to Federal Way, where she helped her grandfather, Andrew Kristensen, bring in the hay at his 40-acre homestead at Pacific Highway South and South 320th Street.

Survivors include five children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her family will hold a memorial service for her Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. at Unity Church of Edgewood, which is located at 2908 Meridian E.