Shirley Rogers O'Brien

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on June 9th, 2022 of our beloved mother, Shirley O’Brien. Born in South Bend, Indiana to David M. Rogers and Mary Ann Robison Rogers. She was preceded in death by her sister Suzanne Rogers, parents, her husband of more than 50 years, Daniel Joseph O’Brien, Maj. USAF ret, and her brother, David Mills Rogers. She is survived by her five children: Patrick O’Brien, Sheila O’Brien (Steve Majeski), Susan Carey (Thomas), Sharon O’Brien (Christian Pointer), Margaret “Peggy” Gould (Paul); grandchildren Shae Hurst, James Hurst, Daniel Carey, Liam Gould and step-grandchildren Quinn Majeski and Hannah Majeski; her sister-in-law Connie Rogers, nephew Steve Rogers and niece Shellie McGrath.

While a student at Purdue University, Shirley was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in 1954. After graduation she married Dan and they started to build their life together raising their beloved family. They loved dancing, music, playing bridge and they made friends everywhere they traveled. In 1966, upon Dan’s retirement from the Air Force and the beginning of his career with the Boeing Company, they settled in Kirkland Washington. Shirley was active in the community teaching CCD at Holy Family Catholic Church, substitute teaching in Lake Washington School District, working on the committee to raise funds for building Evergreen Hospital, volunteering at Moss Bay Days in Kirkland among other activities.

Shirley created a home full of love. She opened her heart and arms to all children who crossed our threshold. Be they frightened little children, adolescents in need of refuge, or young people in transition. Shirley radiated love and acceptance of our humanness. One of the ways she expressed this love was through food. She was a great cook and could always make room for an extra visitor at our table. Lively conversation was always served up. Ideas were explored and opinions expressed freely. Shirley was a staunch supporter of women’s rights.

Later in life Shirley delved into self-discovery. She was on a great adventure and had an irrepressible zest for life. She found a career in real estate suited her to a tee. Shirley loved meeting people and helping them find their perfect home. Her clients in turn fell in love with her and often stayed on in her life as friends. To know her was to be touched by her joyous spirit. She was a special person, always full of humor, a smile, undying optimism. Wherever she cast her shadow only love and compassion flourished.