Shirley Flaherty
March 3, 1955 - November 14, 2005
Obituary
Shirley Flaherty left the loving arms of her husband and this world on Nov. 14, 2005.
Shirley had lived on Queen Anne Hill since 1980. Born to Teresa Santoro and Jack Flaherty, Shirley grew up in Waterbury, Conn. and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1976. Her childhood home was frequently the gathering place for her friends, many of whom she stayed close to for her entire life.Voted “Class Friendliest” in high school, it was a title she lived up to throughout her life; for the people around her were always Shirley’s focus. Shirley had the rare ability to be as entertaining and at ease with a small child, one of her peers, or the elderly, and left anyone who was in her company wanting more. Her keen wit, hilarious sense of humor and ability to tell a story made her a magnet which drew people to her everywhere she went. She had a zest for life and energy that was contagious. Since moving to Seattle in 1978, Shirley’s work life included Big Sisters, Learning International and many successful business ventures. Each venture became a means for her to add to her collection of cherished friends. Her beautiful home with its tranquil garden retreat was often the place where her many friends and family would gather to enjoy Shirley’s warmth and genuine hospitality with “her kitties” and her loving and devoted husband, soul mate, best friend and companion, Michael Burke. Shirley and Mike celebrated the 20th anniversary of their marriage in August. Their love affair was renewed every day of their life together and was awe inspiring to all who knew them, particularly during the valiant battle with cancer that they fought together. In addition to Michael, Shirley is survived by grieving friends and relatives including her brother Robert Flaherty and his wife Patty of Bristol, Conn., sisters Lynn Flaherty and her husband Ben Magista of Seattle, and Laurie Castellano and her husband Nick of Easton, Conn., nieces Sarah, Nicole, Katie, Augusta and Lara, and nephews Ryan, Ryan and Michael, dozens of relatives by marriage, and hundreds of friends and admirers. A celebration of Shirley’s life will take place Sunday, Nov. 20, at 12 noon, at the Golden Gardens Park Pavilion, 8498 Seaview Place NW, Ballard. In lieu of flowers, share your love as generously as Shirley has.
I am now a resident of Mount St. Vincent’s Retirement Home in West Seattle. Sincere condolences on your loss.
Our thoughts and love are with you Michael and all of Shirley’s wonderful family at this difficult time. Shirl will be missed more than she could ever imagine. What a brave, sparkling, funny, happy little spirit she was, is and always will be.
Although I did not know Shirley well she has made a lasting impression. Anyone who met her is a better person for it. She will be missed.
G’eat? :-
I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know this wonderful woman. she will truly be missed by many people.
Our heartfelt love and support go to Mike and to Shirley’s entire family.
We will carry Shirley’s love, passion, zest and spicy sense of humor in our hearts forever. I continually hear her voice in my head with her wry outlook and refreshing “cut to the chase” wisdom and advice.
I think Shirley will hold the record for being able to make me laugh so hard I was crying, my stomach hurting and I wanted to wet my pants all at the same time!
Like all who knew her, we feel deeply blessed by our friendship, that will be as eternal as our love for her.
All our love,
Annie and Mike
Shirley was a great lady, a fun-filled, warm, and funny lady who lit up a room and connected everyone in it. I feel richer for having known her, and I’ll miss her. My love and prayers go out to her family and all her many friends.
Shirley has been in my prayers for many months, I trust she is sharing special moments right now with a loving God and family and friends. I share your pain, will continue to pray for Shirley’s family. God bless. Mike Daniels
Dear Michael and family,
What I loved the most was her determination to do those things she loved. She was not going to be missing out on any weddings or gatherings. As everyone knows,the amount of “equiptment” she had to
schlep around would have dissuaded the normal person. Our Shirley was her own unique, loving individual whose zest for life was unmatched. I miss her and will hold a warm spot in my heart for this lovely women.
I am a firm believer in her Spirit watching over us and wondering, “what’s the fuss?”
Eventually, the last month or so will be erased and re-placed with the pre-cancer
times, when life just wasn’t so hard. My thoughts are with you all.
I feel privileged to have gotten to know Shirley and Mike over the last 7 months. Shirley was a delight! I’ll remember her great humor and her energy that earned her the nickname of “Zamboni”, as Mike shared with me. I’ve carried her in my heart and mind in recent weeks and she’s brought more smiles and laughs to me than tears as I remember my visits with her, and I think she would have liked that. Mike’s amazing care and devotion has been impressive. I know she will be sorely missed by the many who loved her.
Dear Shirley~our good buddy Vinny once told me that death is not the extinguishing of the light; rather, it is the blowing out of the candle because the dawn has come. May you enjoy all your sunrises. Affectionately, Deni & Bob
Shirley, We love you.
I worked at Big Sisters with Shirley some 22+ years ago I remember when she met Mike and was ga ga for him. I can still hear her laughter and the laughter she generated in us. Blessings to all who will miss her greatly.
Nan
To Shirley’s family…
i went to high school with shirley.. she was a wonderful person and great friend to many.. as you know. Please accept our condolences, and know we will always think of Shirley with fond memories.
We are so pleased that in the mysteries of life God made it possible to know Shirley for a while. We are so glad that our paths crossed and that we walked together for a period of time. Her bright and positive personality were a real plus in our inter-relating with her. It is unfortunate that we could not have walked longer with her. Our hearts are heavy at this moment, but in the goodness of God that burden will be lifted in time. Our thougts and prayers are with our friend, Mike. May you walk in the peace of God.
With Love,
Wally and Bob
We will really miss Shirley’s great sense of humor and quick witt. I have enjoyed getting to know her thru my relationship with Susan Bonnell throughout the last 18 years. She has been a great example of courage and optimism during this past two years. We shall miss her smile.
Sincerely and Love,
Craig & Christine Yateman
Michael,
Your love and support for Shirley have been an inspiration to us. Our many memories of Shirley bring nothing but smiles and laughter, as her marvelous sense of humor and quick wit were among her “hallmaks.”
With our love to you,
Polly & Tom
Shirley and I worked together at Learning International in Seattle some years ago… Remembering her now makes me smile – such wit! Her infectious laughter, bawdy sense of humor and outrageous stories will stay with me always. Godspeed, Shirley ~
To Shirley and Mike,
The two who have taught me what real love can look like…Mike you are in my heart and my thoughts. To Shirley, thank you.
Dear Mike,
Thinking of you and your family at this time. I only met Shirley a few times at Elderwise. Those times were always full of laughter. I loved Shirley’s mother Theresa who I met at Elderwise. She had us all in stiches and some of her outrageously funny stories I keep sharing. I wish you healing dreams of your lovely lady and peace and courage as you embark on your new life.
Fran Williams Dunlap
I met Shirley in the late 90’s when we were both affiliated with a training organization. Training people sometimes take themselves overly seriously. It was never that way with Shirley. She was always a consummate professional but was never afraid to call things as she saw them..which usually wound up as a hysterical story. One of the most fun projects I ever worked on was with Shirley and her Starbucks client at a meeting in Tuscon. What a hoot! When things get too heavy honey, I will always think of you for a good laugh. What a legacy!
Dear Mike:
I was saddened to hear from my sister of Shirley’s passing. I always looked forward to seeing both Shirley and you whenever I made it out to Seattle. Shirley was such an upbeat and loving person with a wonderful sense of humor! I am very sorry for your loss and can’t even imagine the void that you must feel. I know that my sister is devastated at the loss of her closest friend.
Again, both Brenda and I want to extend to you our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Perry Gould
Michael, I had the great pleasure to know Shirley from her earliest days in Seattle. I worked with her at Xerox Learning Systems for several years. I’m not surprised that she was voted the friendliest at her high school. When I think of Shirley I can’t help but smile inside and out. She was one of the most energetic and happiest people I ever knew. Her enthusiasm for life was contagious. As you deal with the sadness associated with her passing I wanted you to know that friends and associates that you don’t even know have such fond memories of Shirley and all that she accomplished in her life. I’m glad to have known her and I’m sorry she died so young. Glenn Jackson
To all of Shirley’s family:
Shirley and I met just a year ago, at the beginning of a new venture in her life. But she began a different venture on that same day–the journey through health and illness and transformation that this year brought her.
What a fighter! What courage and determination. She inspired me. Her humor made the difficulties better. Her view of the world brought revelations. I am honored to have known her at all and regret not being able to know her still. Shirley changed lives for the better. No greater legacy can be left by anyone. May the peace that comes from love be with you all.
Susan has told me many great stories and memories of Shirley.
I am truly sorry for your loss. My best regards to the family.
Dear Mike, please know that we were very sorry to learn of your terrible loss. She was way to young. We cannot begin to appreciate the grief you and all her Family and friends are experiencing, especially at this time of year. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Alice and Earl