Shirley Ann Slippern McIntyre
Shirley was our beloved mother, cherished grandmother, devoted wife, sister, philanthropist, and loyal friend. She died, March 31, 2006 after fighting cancer while maintaining an abundant life. Born in Poulsbo, WA May 29, 1930 to Harold and Irene Slippern and delivered by her grandfather Dr. Halfdan Slippern. Shirley graduated from West Seattle High School and Washington State University in Elementary Education and was voted WSU Outstanding Senior. She was president of her sorority, Kappa Delta, and a life long P.E.O. member. She taught first grade in the Highline School District before her marriage to Jack McIntyre in 1953. In 1976 Shirley was honored as WSU Mother of the Year.
The McIntyres lived in Sedro-Woolley, Coquitlam B.C., Camano Island, and Seattle. They wintered in Arizona the last 15 years and developed strong friendships there. Shirley belonged to the Ladies 9-Holers at her golf club, and enjoyed her People to People trips to Ireland, England, and Asia.
For fifteen years Shirley taught religious education classes at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley and Saint Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Stanwood, belonged to the Church Guild, and sang in the choir at both St. Cecilia’s and St. Bridget’s in Seattle. She enjoyed music, playing the piano, and was an avid bridge player, playing with the same group for years. Gardening was her passion and the gardens at her home were pronounced gorgeous by all. Shirley was well read and was the grammar monitor for her family of engineers. She treasured time with her five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren, and many friends, remaining in close contact with her high school and college friends.
In 1988 Shirley and Jack established a fund to provide scholarships for deserving Sedro-Woolley High School students to attend any public Washington State college of their choice. To date, 80 students have received four year, full scholarships. Shirley also supported the performing arts in Skagit County. With the help of her family and friends her vision became a driving force behind the creation of McIntyre Hall Performing Arts and Conference Center in Mount Vernon, WA. The hall was completed in December 2004 with the opening performance of It’s a Wonderful Life. Shirley was a recipient of the Paul Harris award from the Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club for her philanthropy.
Shirley looked forward to taking her children and their families to Hawaii every other Thanksgiving. The vacations provided cherished family memories. Shirley joined us on the trip this past Thanksgiving which meant so much to everyone. She surprised us all with her hidden talent of playing the ukulele.
The family beach house on Camano Island has been a favorite spot for Shirley for many years and a gathering place for generations of family and friends. ‘The Beach’ will always be a reminder to the family of happy times.
Shirley was preceded in death by Jack, her husband of 48 years, her parents and her brother Roger Slippern. She is survived by her brother Stan Slippern Caroline of Richland, WA, and her children and grandchildren John McIntyre Colleen, Brittany and Kallie of Lake Tapps; Mary Lee Randy, Reanne and Mike of Camano Island; Brian McIntyre Diane, Katie, Tara, Ellie and Joe of Shoreline; Sarah Hess Gary, Adam and Julia of Whidbey Island; Claire McIntyre of Camano Island; sister-in-law Mary Soldate of Arcadia, CA, and her nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shirley’s abundant life is reflected in these versus from Proverbs, chapter 31.
A perfect wife-who can find her’
She is far beyond the price of pearls.
Her husband’s heart has confidence in her,
From her he will derive no little profit,
Advantage and not hurt she brings him
All the days of her life.
She finds her labor well worthwhile;
She holds out her hand to the poor;
She opens her arms to the needy.
She is clothed in strength and dignity,
She can laugh at the days to come.
When she opens her mouth, she does so wisely;
On her tongue is kindly instruction.
Her children and grandchildren stand up and proclaim her blessed,
Her husband too, sings her praises.
Many women have done admirable things,
But you surpass them all.
Charm is deceitful, and beauty empty;
But a woman who is wise is the one to praise.
The McIntyre Family expresses special thanks to Emily Marttala, Shirley’s caregiver and friend for the past two years; the Providence Hospice of Seattle Ravenna Team, and our Skagit Valley friends who are helping with the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be sent to the Catholic Youth Organization summer camping program 814 NE 8th St., Seattle, WA 98115, or Providence Hospice of Seattle, 625 Pontius Ave. Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, April 8, 2006 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Sedro-Woolley followed by interment at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. A reception will follow at 2:00 PM at McIntyre Hall, on the Skagit Valley College Campus, Mount Vernon.
Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
