Sharlene Kae Soltero

Sharlene Kae Soltero, age 71, passed away on October 31st, 2017 in her home in Sammamish, WA. She is preceded in death by her mother, Gwen Endrizzi of Wentachee, WA; fathers Joseph Cearlock and Chet Endrizzi of Wenatchee, WA; and brothers, James Cearlock of Wenatchee, WA and Dennis Cearlock of Orcas Island, WA. Sharlene is survived by her husband of 42 years, Dr. Donald Soltero of Sammamish, WA; children, Tara (Soltero) Cook of Kirkland, WA, Kristin Soltero of Sammamish, WA and Molly Soltero of Bellingham, WA; three grandchildren, Caden, Ashlyn and Baylee Cook of Kirkland, WA; her twin sister, Karlene Bickel of Bothell, WA; sisters, Patti Sepanen of Renton, WA, and Sheri Allen of Wentachee, WA; and brothers, Dan Endrizzi of Whitefish, MT, Tim Endrizzi and Mike Endrizzi of Wenatchee, WA.

Sharlene was born on Sept 9th, 1946 at Deaconess Hospital in Wenatchee, WA, the daughter of Gwen Endrizzi and Joseph Cearlock. At the age of 6, Sharlene began performing in a tumbling group at the YMCA and eventually performed stunts such as the bow whip, fire eating, high wire, spanish web and swinging ladders in the Wentachee Youth Circus. She graduated from Wenatchee High School and traveled with the Wringling Brothers for six months before deciding to attend Central Washington University where she graduated in 1968 with a BA in Physical Education and a minor in Psychology. Encouraged by the inspirations from her own teachers, Sharlene moved to Seattle in 1968 to start her first and only teaching job at Kenmore Junior High where she taught physical education and coached women’s gymnastics, basketball, volleyball and track for 32 years. She met Don, the man of her dreams, as a TMJ patient in 1974. They were married on August 30th, 1975 at St. Monica’s Catholic Church on Mercer Island. After saying “I Do” they sealed their love with a ring and a kiss to remember. Sharlene was an athlete. She enjoyed the outdoors and loved to travel. If there was sunshine, she would find it.

In 1976, Sharlene and Don found their first home in Bellevue where their three girls were born and raised until they built their dream house in 1989 in Sammamish, WA where he resides. Don and Sharlene brought their family into the parish of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church in September 1989.

Sharlene was always a very active volunteer in many facets of her life. She was a bright light that touched the lives of those around her. Her sweet smile, contagious laugh, passion for life and her talent for making beautiful things were gifts admired by all. She brought life to everything she touched and will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love will endure through those who loved and knew her best. She is gone yet not forgotten and her spirit will forever be in our hearts.

The family wishes to thank you for your support, friendship and most of all for loving Sharlene.

In lieu of flowers, please give any donations to:

Mary Queen of Peace – Social Life or Mary Queen of Peace –Art and Environment.