Shirley Rose Seyler

Obituary Shirley Rose McCullem Seyler Shirley completed her spiritual journey on earth on August 22, 2006. Through difficult final years of declining health she endured with dignity and courage, personality hallmarks throughout her lifetime. At last her heart's desire has been granted. Her soul has been freed to join our Lord. Shirley was one of twelve children born to Philip J. and Mary M. McCullem on April 24, 1923, in Port Townsend, Washington. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries to ameliorate crippling damage caused by polio during her childhood and coming of age during the Great Depression and World War II, she possessed the ability to recognize and vividly describe the simple joys and blessings shared by the family regardless of hardships. She was a sensitive storyteller, who conveyed family members' strengths, as well as the pathos of their struggles, bequeathing a legacy of family history to instruct, inspire and strengthen future generations. She resided in Washington all her life, creating homes in Aberdeen, Port Townsend, Tacoma and University Place. She was a devoted and industrious wife, mother and homemaker, who could make a dollar stretch farther than most. Friends and family alike remember her amazing baking, cooking and sewing, gifts which she shared throughout her communities. Her artistic talents created beauty in whatever she touched including her loving, welcoming home; illustrated stationery; poetry; lush patio gardens; linens and clothing. Her discerning eye found beauty in nature's most simple gifts, as well as fine art. She perceived, celebrated and enhanced the "magic" in life, helping others open their eyes to that which otherwise might pass unnoticed. There was always a fun surprise around the corner when Shirley was nearby. Shirley served her communities as an active member of Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church in Aberdeen, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Port Townsend and lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Aberdeen. She played an inspired, key role in garnering support for her daughter Sandra to attend and graduate from the University of Puget Sound. During this time she developed a steadfast friendship with the president of the University of Puget Sound, Dr. R. Franklin Thompson and his wife Lucille, who helped her build a new life when she moved to Tacoma. In ensuing years she learned to drive at age fifty-six and relished her newfound independence. She became a receptionist and unofficial house mother to the boarding students at Annie Wright Seminary and, later, at the Tacoma General School of Nursing, in addition to working at Goodwill Industries. She enjoyed long visits with her daughter and family, who resided around the world for twenty-seven years. She made new friends wherever she went, savoring the experiences and recalling names, places and events to the end of her days. Had she been a lesser person, the daunting challenges of her life could have defeated her, dimming her effervescent enthusiasm, diminishing her capacity to lavish love, robbing her of her dignity and grace under pressure; but her inner strength, desire to be helpful, and faith prevailed. Initially she gave us joy, then new eyes through which to appreciate life and, finally, new wisdom. Shirley will be dearly missed by her family who included her daughter Sandra and son-in-law Richard Wall, granddaughter Erin Bush (Scott) and great grandson Tanner Bush. She is also survived by sisters Marian Larsen, Emma Larsen, Jeanette James and Patricia Cox (John) and by brothers Clifford and Daniel McCullem, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers George, Theodore, Howard, Michael and Charles McCullem. We thank Dr. James M. Wilson Jr., Darrell Powell, Catherine Nordlund, C.J. and Ralph Jones and staff at Sunshine's Haven, special staff members of Laurel House and Manor Care Nursing Home, Franciscan Hospice, Ellen and Larry Gaffney, Laura McKinney, the Saint Mary's Episcopal Church family and dear friends, all of whom have served as God's angels on earth during Shirley's and our time of need. A celebration of Shirley's life and reception will occur Saturday, September 16, 2006, at 12 o'clock noon at Saint Mary's Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive S.W. in Lakewood. A private family committal service at New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place. A remembrance may be given in Shirley's memory to the Dr. R. Franklin and Lucille Thompson Scholarship, University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner, #1037, Tacoma, WA 98416-1037, or to Mary Bridge Children's Foundation, Parent's Apartment Fund, P.O. Box 5296, Tacoma, WA 98415.