Shirley Grace Colasurdo

1927 - 2018

Shirley Grace Colasurdo

Grace - unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification, that was our

mother Shirley Grace Colasurdo.

It would be tempting to say that our mom was the divine assistance, it sure seemed that way to us sometimes, but it was a little different than that. Mom held her ego out of the way so that the grace of God could shine through. That is not a particularly glamorous or attention getting style, they don't write newspaper articles about that or put it on the 5:00 news, but it sure makes a better world for those lucky enough to participate.

Shirley Grace Carlisle was born on December 7, 1927 in South Bend, WA. She was the youngest of four and lived with her mom, Elvina Olson, brother Bob and sister Lorraine, who have passed before her, and her sister Annetta who still lives in Snohomish County. Her family moved to Seattle where her mother Elvina worked as the head night nurse at Virginia Mason Hospital. Mom graduated from Garfield High School and worked as a civil service employee at Fort Lawton and at Boeing. She met our father Maurice Colasurdo and they were married in 1948. They had four children, Maurice Jr., Bob, Linda and Laura. It was a loving happy home with a world of possibilities. She has also been blessed with four grandchildren; Garth, Grant, Chase and Christian and two great grandchildren; Miles and Inga.

Growing up in South Park and later Boulevard Park, we weren't rich but our clothes were always clean, and even our underwear was ironed. Mom was a great cook, for a Swedish girl she was a great Italian chef. Mom and Dad retired on Camano Island and later returned to the Everett area. Dad passed away too soon in 1991 at the age of 74. Mom passed away March 26, 2018 with her loving family by her side.

Mom was a champion for the vulnerable, helping people and giving of herself to improve the lives of those around her. She was always ready to climb into the trenches and roll up her sleeves. She had a rich history of volunteer work that included long term care ombudsman for the State Insurance Commissioner, as well as work with Snohomish County Senior Services, the Veteran's Administration, St. Josephine's Senior Center, Catholic Community Services of Snohomish County and the Women's Health Initiative.

Mom deferred her needs to others and looked out for just about everybody including total strangers. She never looked for recognition or laughed at the mistakes of others. She had compassion and empathy for all she met. She had zero pretense, but sometimes we wish she realized just a little bit more how unique and special she was.

There is a classic film, "It's a Wonderful Life", Mom was a real life George Bailey character. She had a huge impact on people's lives and was pretty clueless as to what she had done for them. The world would have been a less kind and wonderful place without her. Her family already misses her dearly.

A celebration of life Ceremony will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 2501 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 on

Thursday March 12th at 11:00 am.