Shirley M. Torrey
February 26, 1932 - May 16, 2010
Obituary
Shirley M. Torrey
Mother was a true testament of perseverance and love, which was infectious. She never, ever complained about her personal problems, but always asked how are you! Her health issues were overwhelming, even to medical professionals who were amazed at her resilience. She had a heart transplant in 1990, but her love of people kept her alive. She needed to go home and she did. Our family always looked to her as a mentor and compass for direction. Mothers spirit and strong will is her legacy.
She leaves three sisters, one brother, three sons, two grandsons and her granddaughter, every one of them loved her to extremes, because of her devotion to us. Through our eyes we see our mothers love and know that you love us, mom!
Bless you beloved Wife of Genard, Mother, Grandmother and Sister.
Graveside service 3:00 PM Saturday, May 22, 2010 at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac.
Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
shirley was such a nice person. I know this is a very hard time for you, but you have such good memories to help you through this hard time. You have our sincere sympathy. Ginny and Wayne Morgan
As life goes on and our loveones pass, we see how precious the gift of life is and how short it was and realize that the way to live forever is in your mind when you think of Shirley. She was and still is that speck of light coming from that gold in a dark stream. The grain of sand on a huge beach that catches your eye-if you were lucky enough to have known Shirley then she will live forever as it is handed down from one person to another for all time. I’m thankful for the movie in my mind that I can look at any time I want to see Shirley. A Princess she came and left a Queen. Words will never be enough to describe how I look up to Shirley. Thank you Shirley for sharing your life with us. Paul Rodney Audett Sr. and Paul Rodney Audett Jr.
We were all blessed. Along with the 58 amazing years that preceded her ‘re-birth’, we shared with her 20 incredible bonus years that no one could have forseen. Except, maybe, her. Her strength. Her courage. Her faith. Her perserverence. Her love of life. Her love of chocolate.
Even during her most difficult days, it was never about her. Ever. She always made everything about you. She delighted in celebrating the good times with you, or was always there for you when times were tough. Her capacity for compassion knew no boundaries. Among the clouds, she was our Silver Lining.
And through it all, she always remembered whatever is important to you. A card on a holiday or a birthday. A thank you note for some small gesture that you may have thought simple, but she was forever thankful. She always saw the good in everyone and everything.
And please, don’t get me started on the photos! I love you Mom. You are now in your rightful place, reunited once again with Dad.
Her life as a pebble in a pond created a tidal wave that impacted so many lives.
She was truly a light and set a tone that I’ve felt in my life and will be with felt in all of our lives for generations to come.
She will always have my eternal devotion, love and gratitude for the gifts she has given me.
Peace.
we met Shirley and Genard in the late 60’s as Chris’s soccer coach. The Torreys were great participants. We kept in touch with x-mas cards through the years, keeping each other updated on family and friends. It was our privilege to have known her and will miss her update.
Shirley was some special lady and will be sorely missed. I am Genards
sister and I’ve know her since a teen ager. Her thoughfullness and
compassion is what I will always
remember. You will be missed.
My mother was one of the greatest persons in my life, I love her with all my heart and soul. She was my mentor and my guiding light.She was always there for me.Her spirit in me will never fade or leave me,ever.She taught me many of lessons through my entire life, and the first and foremost was to never quit! She was one of the most strong willed persons that I’ve ever known in my life, and I have the pleasure of knowing and saying that she is my mother. I will carry my mother with me in my heart and soul forever.Until we meet again dear mother of mine, rest in peace with Dad, I love you and miss you both very, very much.. Love always, your son Brett
Aunt Shirley was a wonderful person to have as an in-law through Carolann. We both talked about her often and admired how positive she was with all her health problems. A true testament to her love of life and her very real interests in others while at the same time struggling. She was so fun just to be around. I prayed that God has a special place for her in heaven!
Shirley was my best oldest sister and friend. I remember all of the fun experiences we had as kids, some of which got us into trouble. I had just painted my first used bike. Then we got in an argument and Shirley pushed it over and threw dirt all over it. In retaliation I threw he nail polish and makeup onto the rocks below the window.
Shirley had quite a few miracles in her life. One being that she survived being hit by a car when she was a young girl. Second receiving a new heart just in time and finally flat lining three times and coming back to us for a few more weeks. Through much suffering she is now at rest with her Lord. A golden heart has stopped beating, a precious soul was put to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
Brett, Dan and Chris:
My heart is reaching out to you. I hope from my heart that your pain will ease every day as we remember what an amazing woman, mom aunt sister grandma Aunt Shirley was. In my eyes she will always be the most amazing person to walk the earth. And like I always told her she was my hero and the wind beneath my wings. I love her more than words could ever say. And I love you guys.
Love TC , Hunter and David
Dear Brett, Dan and Chris,
You know how much I loved your Mother. She was not only my sister, but was also my best friend. I was with Shirley during her heart transplant at OHSU and remember so vividly the morning that we got the call from OHSU that her new heart had arrived and she needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible. She was dressed and ready to go within 5 minutes and was so happy. Her new heart gave her 20 years of life that she cherished and she lived every moment sharing her love with family and friends. We are all going to miss her so very much, but God saw that she was getting tired and her golden heart stopped beating and her precious soul was put to rest.
Love,
Sallie
Shirley, my beautiful big sister who will forever be in my heart and soul. Very few people can make such a difference, not only in my life but my children and their childrens lives. Thank you, for being the person that helped me so much to walk through this life and i know you will still be with me forever. Anyone who has known you has truly been touched by an ANGEL. Love you everyday, Carole
Shirley-rest peacefully, you deserve it. Know that you will be missed, by me and many. You and your pictures were a social network before there was such a thing. We all stayed a little closer a little longer because of you. While your passing leaves a huge void, the time that you spent with us was much appreciated. Love you, godspeed, and don’t forget to put film in the camera!
Mom, I miss you sooo much. Give my love to Dad because I know in my heart that you are together again and both of you are rejoicing. Both of you lived and loved in ways that most people could only hope for. I love you. Dan
Aunt Shirley:
It me TC. I love you so so so very much. I know you are at peace now, but that does not stop this emptiness I feel. You made such an impact in my life, and forever I will cherish your memory. Your memory is my keepsake with which I will never part. God has you in His keeping,but I have you in my heart. I know you will always be beside me and I know my little boy has his guardian angel. Just know I love you.
Just me :
TC
The last thing you said to me was that you loved me very much and had since I was a kid, you then drug me across the bed rail for a kiss. What great memory you gave me. one of many over the years. I have loved few in my life but I can honestly say you are the top of the short list. I will stay in touch with your boys and help where I can as you have helped me and mine over the years. You are so missed and will be until we all come to be with you and gandma.
love you
Terry SR
Aunt Shirley,
I have to say it was a pleasure having been blessed to meet you when I joined the family. You are an amazing woman, and so very thoughtful of all. Our little bug still remembers the frosting you shared from your cake at her Aunt Theresa’s wedding! How sweet the memories. Rest in peace, with love, Barb.
Aunt Shirley,
I love you very much. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me in my life it goes beyond words. Me and all my kids will remember you forever. You have and always will have a special place in my heart. I love you very much.
Little Terry