Obituary of Shirley Irene Leek

Shirley was born on November 10th 1923 in Vancouver, British Columbia and passed away on October 8, 2008 in Gig Harbor, WA at age 84. She was the youngest of three girls born to Ida (Waldron) and Ollard Shoebotham. She finally succumbed to struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease for the last eight years. She was a survivor of breast cancer for 32 years. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Lewon “Larry”; daughter Pamela (Mark) Ruud of Gig Harbor, WA; 2 grandchildren, Jade Heather Hinson of Gig Harbor, WA; and Zachary Scott Gilbert of Tacoma, WA; 2 great-grandchildren, Alyssa Alexandra and Dustin Orien. Her sister Grayce (Bill) Kelly of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Larry “Scott” Leek; sister, Julia; and close friend Deloris, and way too many other friends to name. Shirley grew up in Vancouver, BC. Raised by her single mother during the “depression”, with her two sisters Julia and Grayce. She graduated from high school and continued her education in secretarial school. At the age of 24, she was caretaker of her mother Ida, who suffered and lost her battle with breast cancer. She loved working and was always the “Girl Friday”, she was an astute business woman and well liked by employers and co workers. She was executive secretary in several corporate companies (Richfield Oil Lockheed, Coca Cola, and Sea West). Shirley met her sweetheart, Larry and they were married on November 19, 1955 and moved to Seattle, Washington. In the early years. They loved to go dancing with there friends, they camped regularly with family and friends. Dad and the kids rode dirt bikes. Mom loved to cook and entertain she spoiled her family with her wonderful meals, even when camping. Dad says, she would like to tie a rope around the house and bring the whole kitchen with them. Shirley suffered the tragic loss of her only son “Scotty”, on May 28th 1984 when he and his girl friend Debbie drowned at Green River Gorge. Shirley retired in 1986. Mom loved to travel, she was the “planner” and organized many trips with their friends. They visited Europe, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rico, Bahamas, Alaska, just to name a few, and took many cruises. She loved having her grandchildren visit and vacationed with them to Disneyland, Disneyworld, Kentucky, and traveling in their motor home. In 1986 mom and dad moved to Blaine, WA to down size and be closer to her sister, Grayce and niece, Leslee, whom mom shared a very close bond with. Every winter, mom and dad were “snowbirds” in sunny Yuma, AZ. They enjoyed life to the fullest, and met many friends. She was still active with dancing, participating in many group activities, and also worked for Roger’s Resort bookkeeping where they lived in AZ. She also loved going to her husband Larry’s family’s home in Kentucky. They always tried to make the rounds. Family was important to her. Sometimes you could miss her because she was always so busy. She wanted to fit everything in! Sadly, they were no longer able to travel and be independent. Around 2000, mom started to forget things, dad became legally blind. My mom, was very loving, caring and always ready to help others. She touched the lives of those close to her and will be so missed by all. She will always hold a special place in our hearts that can never be replaced. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, mentor, and a friend to many. Shirley had a zest for life and loved her family deeply. She was a special gift to her family and friends. A memorial and intimate gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 8th, 2008, at 1:00 pm at the home of Shirley’s family, located at 14218 49th Ave Ct. NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. Please don’t hesitate to phone Pam if you have any questions for directions or otherwise, telephone 253-514-8880. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, or Breast Cancer Association Here are the website addresses for those organizations. Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.aspp:// Breast Cancer Association: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/donate/ Thank you to all our friends, especially Joyce, Shari, Cindy, Multicare Hospice, Paul, Aileen, Whitney & friends at Alzheimer’s Support Group in Gig Harbor, Cottesmore of Life, and everyone who listened, and help support us in this distressful time. I appreciate you all more than you know. Also, to my husband Mark, and children, Jade, Zachary and my grandchildren, Alyssa and Dustin for their support and love. Mom, It's so hard to say good-bye. You were mine for all those years, I'll miss you and cry my tears. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008 To view video tribute please click on the link below: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=16456