Shirley Blea

Shirley Ann Blea, age 60, passed away on November 4, 2023, in Seattle, WA. Born on September 12, 1963, in Seattle, Shirley was the beloved daughter of Martha A. Blea and the late Victor F. Blea. She is survived by her mother, Martha, her sister, Wendy F. Blea, her niece, Florence Blea Andrews, and her nephew, Anthony M. Andrews, all of Everett, WA. Shirley also leaves behind her aunt, Sherry Rios, her cousin, Eileen Stump, and her aunt, Pat Garcia, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her father, Victor, her brother, Victor F. Blea II, and her grandparents, Thomas and Dora CDeBaca, and Tony and Adela Blea. Shirley's uncle, Rick Blea, resides in New Mexico.

Shirley graduated from Everett High School in 1981 and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Washington in 1986. She further pursued her passion for caring for others by attending EvCC nursing school in 1988, where she became a Registered Nurse. Shirley dedicated 30 years of her life to nursing, specializing in dialysis, transitional care, and long-term care. She found fulfillment in her work, making a significant impact on her patients and their families. Her compassion, empathy, and dignity touched the lives of those she cared for, treating them as if they were her own family.

Outside of her career, Shirley was an avid sports fan, with a particular passion for hockey and the Pittsburgh Penguins. She enjoyed going on road trips to catch a glimpse of her favorite team and her favorite player, #87, from Canada to Pittsburgh. Shirley also found solace in collecting books and spending quiet moments with a good cup of coffee while listening to The Beatles.

A celebration of her life will be held on November 18 at the family home from 1:00-5:00.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.