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Shelly Bartholomew Obituary
Shelly Lynn (Petersen) Bartholomew, age 51, passed away peacefully early Christmas morning, December 25, 2012, at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington, surrounded by her devoted family. She was born in Longview, Washington on March 7, 1961, and as a young child moved with her family to Bellevue, Washington, where she graduated from Interlake High School in 1979. Shelly was a proud "Coug" and member of Delta Gamma Sorority, graduating from Washington State University in 1983 with a degree in Child and Family Studies.
Shelly's lifelong love of animals was at the core of her life, her country life style, and her career. Starting in sales of quality pet foods throughout the Puget Sound Region, Shelly was a natural at sales and building customer relationships. Her love of dogs prompted her to establish See Spot Run - Ranch Resort for Dogs, a private, in-home, kennel-free dog boarding business in Woodinville, catering to needs of each individual dog in a cozy, safe environment. In 2007, Shelly relocated her home and successful business to rural Whatcom County, where she had more acreage for her horses - the special love of her life - and more opportunities for fishing, another beloved activity. Shelly's compassion and caring for all animals, large and small, made her a committed and successful "home finder" for any lucky animal finding its way into her life.
In addition to a kind heart and enduring sense of humor, Shelly was bright and articulate, particularly with the written word. She wrote insightful odes and poems throughout her life, including a book about her personal, courageous cancer journey, entitled The Cancer that Saved Me.
Shelly is survived by her loving parents, Linda and Don Petersen, of Sequim, WA; her sister and best friend, Debbie Moore, of Issaquah, WA; her beloved nephew, Bradley Moore, of Seattle; Jamie Woods of Bellingham; and her multitude of loving friends.
Heartfelt thanks to Michael Milder, M.D., Judy Jacoby, R.N., and staff at the Swedish Cancer Institute, and to Whatcom Hospice House staff, for their exceptional and loving care.
A celebration of Shelly's life will be held on Saturday, January 26th, 1:00 p.m., at Eastridge Church, 24205 S.E. Issaquah Fall City Road, Issaquah, WA.
Memorial donations in Shelly's honor may be made to the Swedish Cancer Patient Assistance Fund, c/o Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122, www.swedish.org/Services/Cancer-Institute/How-You-Can-Help; or to Pasado's Safe Haven, P. O. Box 171, Sultan, WA 98294, www.pasadosafehaven.org/donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Shelly Bartholomew
Melody Grondahl
January 9, 2025
HELLO SHELLY! I am writing this to you as I know you know, I know you see and you know how much is going on down here! You would be SO proud of Debbie! She is taking on so much and is really and truly an amazing woman. Linda is there with you now and Don is still here with us, thank God for that! I got this reminder right when we were meeting Don and Deb for breakfast, what an irony. You are such a warm and loving memory to me. I hope VLR isn't causing problems up there. I know my dad is in a corner laughing at his own jokes. I love you Shelly!
Sarah
February 10, 2013
Rest in Peace Shelly. You meant a lot to many people. I see how special you truly were and tremendously courageous. May God Bless and keep you always.
Bridget Cantrell
January 17, 2013
My Dear Shelly,
The moment I met you when I brought "the girls" to stay with you when you first came to Bellingham I felt I had met a long lost treasured friend. You brought so much peace and happiness to my life, so many laughs, and moments of awe as we shared our stories of all the little furry friends we both love so much. Your precious spirit will live within my heart for all time. I miss and love you very much. Sadie, Dottie and I send our love to you, your sweet parents, and your beloved sister Debbie. What our hearts have once cherished will live forever. See again, get all those critters lined up and we will take care of them together. RIP my dear one!! Bridget
Debbie Moore
January 17, 2013
Dearest Yeee....life without you is such a challenge, I miss you more than I can explain, what will I do without my Yeester here? Thank you for visiting me outside my window on nights that I am awake, sad and missing you. The owl is vocal, calming and comes when I need her most. I know you are reunited with family, friends and most important all of the thousands of pets you had, BTW, Wiggy misses you but she brings me much joy and laughter. I love you Yeee...
Ruth Ann Montgomery
January 17, 2013
Dear Linda, Don, and Debbie,
I will always have found memories of the beautiful little girl, Shelly. You are in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry I will not be with you to celebrate Shelly's life. Ruth Ann Montgomery
Kim Schoeler
January 16, 2013
So much of my high school life involves great, fun memories of Shelly and her wonderful parents and sister. Even though we lost touch for several years, when we recently reconnected, it was as though no time had passed. Shelly's sense of humor, her beautiful smile and positive outlook made the world a better place. She will never be forgotten. I miss her but am so happy she is free of pain and medications ... she is whole again and organizing the animals into a fun play group. Love and hugs to Don, Linda and Debbie as well as Shelly's extended family whom I haven't met. Shelly was a special treasure.
Tami Salts
January 16, 2013
Don,Linda and Debbie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sad for your loss, of such a warm spirit and precense but am happy for Shelly, she is out of pain and able to fill your lives with joy with her memory. I love you bunches! Keep her memory warm in your heart and lives xoxo
Dan Smith
January 16, 2013
Shelly,
what an honor and privilege to know such a positive,caring,up beat person. Your positive attitude and spirit will live on in all the people who knew you. Gone too soon but never forgotten..my condolences to your family and loved ones. R.I.P my friend.
Dan
Sue Conners
January 16, 2013
Don, Linda, Debbie you and all Shelly's extended family and friends have my deepest sympathies. A person couldn't ask for a better friend and I'm thankful for the memories and opportunity to know Shelly.
Melody Grondahl
January 15, 2013
Beautiful Shelly, you've been an inspiration, truly a positive influence on anyone and everyone that's been gifted with your touch, your words, your heart. You're not gone as you'll be in our hearts and memories forever and ever. SO many other loved ones are with you and there's comfort in that! Don, Linda and Debbie - we love you guys! Melody G
January 15, 2013
Into my heart's treasury I slipped a coin. That time cannot take nor theif proloin. Oh, better than the menting of a gold crowned King is the safe kept memory of a lovely thing...
I will never forget you Shelly. i will treasure in my heart forever....Jaci
January 15, 2013
The Shelly I remember was a little girl about 10 with braids and thick glasses. I watched from my window as her mom, new in the neighborhood, walked her and her sister to their new school. Her and her family along with a chubby little dog named Spot, were my neighbors for several years and her mom became my best friend. Shelly always had a love for animals. As an adult she "rescued" dogs and cats and other animals. She kept many at her home and for the ones she couldn't keep, worked hard to find homes for. Shelly had a gift for writing and warmed the hearts of her family by gifting them with words of affirmation. I will remember this courageous young woman who remained optimistic during her battle with cancer. She didn't complain but felt she would survive to be an example for others going through the same struggle. Your sweet spirit will be missed. You will be remembered whenever an animal is adopted and leaves a shelter. Special love to your family. Gail Grondahl
Sandi Kornelis
January 14, 2013
Don, Linda, Debbie, Brad, and Jamie,
We are so sorry for your loss. Shelly was such a special person. We met her one day when she was driving by, saw our horses & decided to introduce herself. She became a good friend, sharing her love of horses & dogs. Often she would drop in & chat. After we put a gate on the driveway she would threaten to "ram that gate" to come & visit. Lots of laughs & good chats.
We will remember you in our prayers.
Our sincerest sympathy,
Lee & Sandi
Lucy Bodilly
January 14, 2013
Linda and Don,
What a touching tribute to Shelly. You know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Marianne
January 13, 2013
So lucky we got to meet Shelly. Although we met her when she was already ill, she was upbeat, smiling and positive. She shared with us her love for her family and she was so thankful for her sister. Blessings to you all. We will keep you in our prayers.
jamie woods
January 13, 2013
shelly,i tried to sign your guest book earlier and i don't know if it went through,so i'm gonna keep on trying til i get it right!!.its been a tough few weeks around here without seeing your pretty smiling face.but just thinking of all the good times we had together outs a smile on my face.you will always be with me when i ride the horses,and fishing trips and camping trips.i miss everything about you,even your poisoness cookies!!..you brought alot of happiness to me,my family,and friends..there will be a big void in my life now that your gone,but even when your not here you still put a smile on my face.i'll never find anyone like you.its hard right now,but i'm thankful for the time we had together.i love you,miss you,and will never,ever forget you..bye babe
Lloyd Zimmerman
January 13, 2013
Shelly was one of those unforgettable people that had a deep level of compassion and love for her furry friends. A beautiful person inside and out that will be missed greatly by all creatures great and small. Dogs can howl with sadness and yet we can only cry. Our condolences to her family and friends. Shelly did good work on this Earth and made it a better place.
January 13, 2013
Until we meet again my dearest friend..I love and miss you so much! Love Lou!
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