Shirlee Joyce Holmes

Passed away on August 4, 2016 bravely & courageously battling the unforgiving challenges of ALS.

Lovingly supported by her family through her journey. Born in Spokane, WA on October 3, 1931. Only child of Cyril F. McGee (Cy) and Rozelle Mary Dion McGee. At age 8 she started learning the accordion. At 15, she began teaching after school at Sickler Accordion Studios. Shirlee graduated from North Central HS in June 1948, From 1948-1949 she attended EWU.

1949 Shirlee moved to Seattle attending classes at the UW while working at the phone company. She continued teaching accordion at Joe Spano Studios 1950-1955 with a class load of 50 students while living on a Lake Union houseboat. She met Loren Monty Holmes when he came to repair the logs under her houseboat with his Houseboat Repair Service; they fell in love and were married on June 19, 1953 in 1958 they built a home above the Government Locks.

In 1958, she left her accordion teaching job to concentrate on raising their 2 children and engraving at her husband's business where he managed the trophy department. In 1983 together they founded their own business, Athletic Awards Company. She was both the secretary and bookkeeper.

Shirlee was the 1st Mate/MOM on family cruising adventures aboard their 32' converted Navy hull, the BACKWASH. The family explored the Canadian San Juan Islands hanging diapers on the boat to dry while enjoying the beautiful scenery and teaching her children the skills of boating life. In 1960 Monty got the bug for antique cars and joined the Horseless Carriage Club. In 1961 he found and restored a 1911 Stevens Duryea. The family went on many antique car tours taking Best in Show, not only for the car but also by dressing in period costume and winning Best Dressed Family on several occasions.

On camping and traveling adventures across the USA Shirlee was the navigator, cook, nurse, negotiator, and talked Monty out of some wild goose chases (like driving 500 miles out of the way looking for an antique car). After participating in every level of the antique/classic car events and winning awards on a national level, they joined the Classic Yacht Association. They enjoyed cruising with their many friends in the WAHOMA with their English bulldog Winston. Together they started Ebey Island Christmas Tree Farm after retiring from Athletic Awards in 1990; she kept it running like a fine tuned machine. In a R/V they crossed the USA and Canada, seeing relatives and friends

Shirlee served as treasurer for the No Seattle Commons 2 winning campaigns in 1994 and 1995 that helped save jobs in South Lake Union. She came up with the logo for the campaign that saved over 100 businesses from certain condemnation. We should thank Shirlee for all the jobs that are in SLU today.

She also was secretary of South Lake Union Neighborhood Planning Committee. Shirlee was a member of the Music Performance Group as a Composer & Accordionist from 1983 to 2016. She composed many classical songs for vocalists and piano and wrote several pop music songs. She was one of the founding members of the Washington Accordion Teachers Association & was in charge of accordion competitions. She was in the Russian Balalaika Orchestra for 2 years as the accordionist. At age 39 she attended Cornish College studying music theory and majoring in jazz composition and ensembles.

She studied privately with Ken Orlindorf, a well-known jazz accordionist, formed a quartet called the Mellowdees, formed the musical group The Swinging Grandmas, performed at the Folklife Festival.

Shirlee was preceded in death by her parents Cy & Rozelle McGee

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Loren Monty Holmes of Seattle. Son, Monty Holmes & Katie Nolan of Seattle, Daughter Rani Thorning & son in law Tim Thorning of Issaquah. Grandchildren Brett Holmes, Jason Thorning, Benjamin Holmes, & Chelsie Thorning, Sister in law Lorraine Ring & husband Richard Ring deceased, Nephew Rich Ring & daughter Sabrina Casperson, Niece Richelle Slater & husband Chip Slater son Chris Slater.

When strong winds and fast currents meet our bow, we must stay true to our course, In our golden years we can look back and say we never bent, we never weakened. We saved for the long run!