Shirley "Farmer" Ann Varyu Hopp

Loved and missed by her devoted husband of 25 years (Scott); beloved daughter of Leslie and Dorothy Varyu; survived by her brother Don Varyu and family in Redmond, WA., and brother Dick Varyu and family in Arlington Heights, IL. Born and raised in the northwest Chicago neighborhood of Edison Park, Shirley followed high school graduation with 4 years at the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana campus.

Post-college travels with friends brought her to the Pacific Northwest where in 1978 she settled in Olympia. A long-time employee of the City of Olympia, Shirley (Farmer) began as a seasonal parks maintenance worker, moved into a full-time position as a water service specialist, and finished her tenure assisting the development community as an engineering permit tech with Community Planning and Development. Dedicated to service, and an inspiration to her co-workers, Shirley was integral in the movement to organize the maintenance staff of Public Works. Her leadership skills and determination were the keys to her election as the first Local Union Chapter President.

After 20 years, Shirley retired from public service and later took a position with the civil engineering/survey firm of Hatton Godat Pantier (HGP). She enjoyed 9 plus years of employment with HGP, advancing in the organization from part-time file clerk/delivery person to project coordinator of all the firm's projects.

A celebration of Shirley's love and smile will be held at Mills & Mills in Tumwater, 5725 Littlerock Rd SW, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 6. Donations can be sent to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.