For nearly thirty five years I had the pleasure of sharing stories with Shirley and Hal concerning his relationship to members of the Aurora Colony.  I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know their histories at a much deeper level through the study of genealogy and just visiting.  


Dear Aunt Shirley ...

When someone in my life has passed on, it is impossible for me to forget them.  I miss them all so much. They will always live on within my heart and soul,  but mostly, they will live on in my memories. Nothing can replace those many amazing memories you have left me with Aunt Shirley and Uncle Hal.

You are near, even  if I don’t see you. You are with me, even if you are far away. You are in my heart, in my thoughts, in my life always and I miss you.  Thank you for this precious gift of your love for my sons and for me always thru out these many years. For your wisdom and your amazing strength and your giving heart.   

But most of all your guidance through out my life.  I will cherish the gift of your laughter and how you lived your life each and every day.  I find great comfort knowing you,  Aunt Shirley and Uncle Hal know how much  you are loved!

Forever and always our love....
Jacquie and John Borders

Aunt Shirley,

I will always remember how you and Hal welcomed my mother, my brother, and me into your family over 30 years ago as if we were your own. We had so many great times together;  working on your properties, zipping all over town in your Camaro with your ever-present and impossibly long cigarettes, epic breakfast outings, and enjoying Marzipan cakes to celebrate every momentous occasion. You had such an infectious smile and laugh and radiated an inner joy that always put me at ease. You loved good food, good art and, always, a good joke. You were a serious person, with a formidable mind, but never took yourself too seriously. I've aspired to live my life the same way!

They broke the mold when you and Hal were made and I like to think that you are together again and enjoying an eternity of the love and goodness you shared together and gave to so many others throughout your lives.

Thank you for all the joy and love you brought into the world, which is now a bit more dim without you here. I am grateful to have to known you and will never forget you. 

Patrick Par

Dearest Aunt Shirley,
Craig and I are sitting here reflecting on this Christmas Day  over the last 50 years and what your and Uncle Hal's  love and support have meant to us and our family. The memories came flooding back!  I remember before we were married we all used to go to breakfast on Saturday mornings with several people, all either steamers or boaters, afterward Craig and Hal would go to all the salvage yards looking for parts for Charlie (the steamboat) and you and I would go shopping. Recalling all the Lady Jane trips on Puget sound, we had such fun!  One of my favorite memories Shirley, was how wonderful you were when Craig and I decided to get married, insisting on doing all the flowers, bouquet's, etc. and reassuring me on my wedding day when I discovered Craig was out on Charlie hours before our wedding was to start!   Later I remember carpooling to downtown where we both worked,   and the talks along the way.
When we moved from Seattle across the water, you and Hal were among the hardest to leave,  but still made time to travel back and forth on the ferry to spend time together,  you and Hal coming here for lunches, birthdays, weddings, etc.   In recent years, Craig and I have loved coming over to Seattle to take you to lunch at all the varied restaurants you had recently discovered and we just had to try!   You have lived your life with unparalleled optimism, curiosity, generosity, and the unquenchable zest for life.  You will missed more than you will ever know and we will keep you alive in our stories and in our hearts always.  
 Love Forever,
 Craig and Kathy

Remembering Shirley

We have been great admirers of Shirley and are in awe of her numerous accomplishments and generous gentle ways.  As a Northwest Steam Society member, it has been such a pleasure to participate in many board meetings in Shirley’s marvelously maritime house with such stunning and soothing views of the Sound.  With steam dials everywhere, Hal’s presence was very much felt too.  You might be interested to know that “Charlie”, the steamboat Hal built, continues to run in our events under the loving care of her new owner.   

Even the toughest board meeting items seemed easier to tackle in Shirley’s house than anywhere else imaginable.   Furthermore, when the meetings were over, with help from Julie, her special friend and helper, our board members were superbly filled with the most delicious lunches imaginable to smooth any ruffled waters and get back to talking “steam”.

On a private visit, we were privileged to be given a most gracious tour of Shirley’s delightful paintings.  We were especially intrigued by the “Early Shirley’s! 

What a wonderful lady and such a worthwhile life she enjoyed.  We will miss her enormously and will never forget all Shirley has meant to us.

John & Joellen Hope


Shirley, you were the granite rock and precious gemstone of the neighborhood. I’ll miss you dearly, but I know  the memory’s of what a kind soul you were to all of us will live on in those who you touched. 

OBITUARY

Shirley Jean Will

February 2, 1929 – December 9, 2019

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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