Patricia Anne Shirley

Patricia (Patty) Anne Berry, 76, passed away June 7, 2010 in Bellevue, Washington. She faced medical challenges through most of her life, but met them with determination and grace. She always maintained a warm, welcoming smile, and was loved by all.

Patty was born July 1, 1933, in Fairbanks, Alaska, to Otis and Margaret Berry. After the death of her mother when she was one month old, Patty was taken to Spokane and raised by her maternal grandmother, Catherine Hagar, and aunts. An ear infection she contracted during the winter ocean trip from Alaska to Seattle left her almost totally deaf.

She attended the Irving School for the Deaf and Holy Names Academy, where she met her husband-to-be, Donald Richard Shirley. Before she was married, she worked as a secretary for a construction company and at Gonzaga University in Spokane, and tinted and painted black and white photos at Hagen Studio.

The Shirleys moved to Bellevue, Washington, in 1963 when Don received a work transfer with the Pacific Northwest Bell Company.

Patty’s married life was devoted to raising her two daughters. She also developed skills in the manufacture of various types of dolls, becoming an established dollmaker and a Barbie Doll clothing designer. Unfortunately, arthritis curtailed her doll work in later years.

Patty traveled to many destinations with Don in 1983 and 1984 as a Pioneer Partner while Don was President of the Telephone Pioneers of America Cascadian Council. They also enjoyed trips visiting family and friends in Alaska, Arizona, California, Canada, Hawaii, Minnesota and Japan.

After Don’s retirement in 1992, they lived in Arizona during the winter months for five years and later purchased a lake home in Sagle, Idaho, at Garfield Bay on Lake Pend Oreille, where they spent time hunting and fishing. Their permanent residence remained in Bellevue.

Patty is survived by her husband of 55 years, Donald Shirley; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) and David Hetman and grandchildren Jessalyn Hetman of Juneau and Wesley Hetman of Fairbanks; son-in-law Lee Harshberger and grandchildren Andrea and Erik Harshberger of Snohomish; and numerous cousins living in Washington, Alaska California and Oregon. Patty was preceded in death by daughter Donna Harshberger.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 14 at the Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1215 145th Place SE, Bellevue. A viewing for family and friends precedes the service at 12:30 p.m.