SHIRLEY ANN STEINER

1936 - 2024

Mt Vernon - It is with extreme sadness that we announce Shirley Ann Steiner passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 88, following an extended illness. Shirley was born on November 1, 1936, in Westford, NY to Jennie and Donald Warner. She was the eldest of two children. Shirley referred to herself as an "Army Brat" and travelled with her mom and stepdad, William Cashwiler, to Naval bases throughout the U.S. Fortunately, fate landed them in La Conner, WA. La Conner is where Shirley stayed. She was a cheerleader at La Conner High School and graduated in 1954. La Conner High School is where she met her future husband, Martin, and their epic love story began.

When Martin graduated in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army. While Martin was serving abroad, he wrote Shirley letters and poems -- they never lost contact. When he returned from serving in the Army, Martin and Shirley rekindled their relationship and were married on June 18, 1960. Together they had eight children.

Shirley's life was fulfilled by marrying the man of her dreams and raising their family together. In addition to her own, Shirely helped raise numerous children in the community. Her love knew no bounds. Shirley's crocheted blankets, doll clothes, beaded jewelry, shawls, hats and scarves were aplenty at home and craft fairs. She was an avid reader, always up for a game of Australian Rummy, Yahtzee and a George Strait song. She was strong, and though some lovingly called her "stubborn", she was thoughtful, kind, and generous. She was a long-time, active member of the Catholic Church and found her home at St. Charles in Burlington where she taught catechism classes for several years.

Shirley will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all whose lives she touched. Shirley is survived by her children Deb (Mike) Eaton, Jeff (Sarah) Steiner, Rose (Ted) Goeres, Valerie Steiner, Teresa (Chantel) Steiner-VanDyk, Mary (Jared) Green. Her legacy lives on through her 14 Grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband Martin Jr., sons Martin (Marty) III and Kenneth, her parents, and her sister Betty.

Rosary for Shirley will be Friday January 31, 2025, 12:00PM at St. Charles Catholic Church, 935 Peterson Rd. Burlington, WA 98233. Funeral Mass will be Friday January 31, 2025, 1:00PM at St. Charles with a reception to follow in the social hall. Shirley will be laid to rest next to Martin on Saturday February 1, 2025, 11:00AM at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Valentine Road, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273.

Donations in Shirley's memory can be made to St. Charles Catholic Church, 935 Peterson Rd, Burlington, WA or to the Tri-Parish Food Bank at this same address.