Bellingham — June 19th, 2024 Shirley Elin Elison, 92, passed in the peace and comfort of home in which she was surrounded by family, trees, mountains, and water, such as the ones she had been born and raised into on August 26,1931 to John and Grace Patricia Osterdahl of Carbonado, Washington. As the oldest of four siblings, Shirley described her years of growing up in Carbonado as some of the best years of her life.

Shirley was an incredibly independent woman long before it was fashionable, and simply fashionable up until the days before she passed. In addition to raising two husbands and five children which, at times, was not an easy feat, she had a love of work and service. If you were fortunate enough to be a friend or family member you were lucky enough to be embraced by her love.

Shirley specifically requested no service or funeral, although she asked if we chose to celebrate and remember her life, to please speak of any goofy, funny, and absurd stories that can be left behind with her family and friends. Please dress colorfully, to reflect her love for summer, flowers, gardening, drawing, crafts, Red Hat Ladies Club, Eastern Star, and her previous service at Enumclaw Senior Center.

Shirley is survived by her son, Michael Packer and daughters, Cynthia Garneau (Richard), Diane Miltenberger (Dennis), Vonelle Elison (Bruce Tabb), and preceded in death by her son, Ross Elison; she also leaves behind a much- loved sister, Joyce Maxwell, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

We are grateful to our mother for giving us so many years of strength, liveliness, and the gift of each other.

Celebration of Life: All Welcome Eagles Buckley Lodge Sunday, July 21st, 2024, 12-3 pm Light Lunch/Appetizers will be served

*Shirley’s marker will be placed in the new Carbonado Cemetery at a later date.