Shirley Ruth Harris-Lee

Obituary Shirley Ruth Harris-Lee Shirley Ruth Harris-Lee, 78, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on November 26, 2014, at the University of Washington Heart Center. She was born August 20, 1936, in Chehalis, Washington, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Washington School of Nursing in 1958. Shirley was a beautiful spirit and lifelong learner who was devoted to her family, her friends, and her community. She was active in 2 book clubs, a 21-year member of P.E.O. (promoting educational opportunities for women), and a former board member of Harmony Hill Cancer & Wellness Retreat Center. She and Stan enjoyed their many travels together over the years. In 2001, Shirley retired from Tacoma Community College, where she was assistant vice president for workforce education and institutional effectiveness; she began her 25-year career at TCC as a faculty member in the nursing program. Prior to that, Shirley worked in the Peninsula School District as the district's only school nurse. In the early years of her career, Shirley taught nursing at Pacific Lutheran University and was a public health nurse in Seattle. Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 28 years, Stan Lee; her four daughters Karlene Johnson (John Spence), Elena Waite (Allan), Tina Lee (Josh Kent), and Becka Lee (Greg Bass); seven grandchildren Alex, Eli, Sophia, Henry, Nathalie, Charlotte and Teddy; her sister Hazel Morgan (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister Jeannie Behrns (Wayne) and her parents Jesse Harris and Marjorie Baker Harris. A celebration of life will be held at the Point Defiance Pagoda, 5400 N Pearl, Tacoma, WA, on Saturday, Dec 6, 2014, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shirley's honor to the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (Chapter JI ) or to Harmony Hill Retreat Center (Union, WA). Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.