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Shirley Friesen Obituary
Shirley Elizabeth Friesen passed away Friday February 3, 2012 in her home and surrounded by her family. She died in peace, after a courageous and determined battle with cancer. She was born on October 5, 1929 in New Westminster, Canada. Her parents were John and Lillian (Creany) McAlister. Shirley grew up in Armagh, Northern Ireland and like many of her generation in Europe she spent the war years living in the countryside. These were some of her happiest memories where she enjoyed the freedom of living on a large country estate with her great aunts. Shirley worked for Bellingham Builders Supply Company (Builders Concrete) from 1955 to 1978 where she became Treasurer and Comptroller. She then formed her own business and represented Lafarge North America and their operations in Friday Harbor. She was a past President of the Peace Arch Chapter of the American Business Women's Association and was their Business Woman of the Year in 1971. In addition she was a charter member of the Bellingham Chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants and a member of Soroptimist International. She retired in 2000.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Cynthia Clark and her sister, Audrey Knutsen. Shirley is survived by two children; Jerry (Kitty) Friesen and Lori (Dave) Holmwood; sister Beverly Lane of Canada; five grandchildren, Christy, Jodi, Derek, Brendan and Lizzie; two great-grandchildren, Amber and Allison; and one great-great grandchild, Kayla. A special thank you to her granddaughter Christy Jones for the many hours of compassionate care in the final months of Shirley's life. The family would also like to acknowledge the support of Shirley's two greatest friends Madeline, and Kim Richardson.
At Shirley's request there will be no services. Donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice, 2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225. Please share your thoughts and memories of Shirley in the on-line memorial guest book at
www.molesfuneralhomes.com
Moles Family Funeral Homes, Bayview Chapel, Bellingham
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shirley Friesen
6 Entries
Ed and Marrianne Heydron
February 8, 2012
May God be with you during your season of grief. We hadn't visited with Shirley for many years, but remember her vitality and wonderful sense of humor.
Margaret Brown
February 8, 2012
We will miss Aunt Shirley so much. She always made us feel so welcome, so special...as though there was nothing she wanted more than to have one of those big family get-togethers (and feasts!) for us when we came to visit. I didn't realize what a trail-blazer she was until I was out working in the real world. All I knew was how warm and funny and bright she was. I thought she was a movie star when I was little, she was so glamourous and beautiful.
What a wonderful, wonderful woman.
Margaret
Dave and Lillian Lane
February 7, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about Shirley's passing --we visited her a few times in Bellingham on our trips to Vancouver to visit with Bev and Philip. We are so thankful to her for sponsoring David to come to the States from Halifax in 1963. Such a very friendly and interesting person. We are sending all the family our sympathies ---
Dave and Lillian Lane, 243 Muscat Drive, Mesquite Nevada 89027
Phyllis MacNeil
February 7, 2012
Our beautiful "Favorite Aunt Shirley" left us all with wonderful memories. We will miss her smiles, laughter and warm loving personality that made us all believe we were her favorite as well. We are all better for knowing this remarkable woman. She will forever be in our hearts, minds and loved always.
Phyllis, Laurie, Dave (Brenda), and Jennifer
Michelle Densmore
February 7, 2012
Our prayers go out to the Family.
Michelle Densmore
February 7, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory – Bayview Chapel2465 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham, WA 98229
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