With broken hearts we share the loss of our dear friend and mentor, Shirley Schulke

While walking in this icy wonderland I got a call from Sarah, our former administrator,  letting me know that Shirley, Soul grandma and dear friend had passed away on Monday.  For those of you who knew this wonderful woman it seems surreal as she wasn’t ill and had such a calm way about her that she is the type that you just know will always be there when you needed her.  I met Shirley in 2006 when she and her beloved husband, Chris brought their grand daughter over for Soul photos.  I share three of the photos today.  It was a hard shoot for all of us as Emily was so sick that evening that Shirley worried she might not survive more than a few more hours, but thankfully she did and they had more time together. 

After Emily died Shirley became our volunteer book keeper.  She was devoted, dependable and was able to guide us in so many ways as she had lost her son in a car accident a few years prior to our meeting.  She quickly became a friend to all of us sharing many hours as she generously came regularly to be sure we were up to date on our financials.  We all loved to hear her talk about Chris and indeed her entire family as she truly was so proud of her family and happy in her marriage. 

We were blessed to know this woman and to share in her many talents.  She was a big supporter of Providence Hospice and I know their help with Emily meant the world to her.  We are all stunned and it will take a while for her death to seem real.  She was just with us recently and I am so happy that my good friends Kari and Sidni had a wonderful time going through her house in Anacortes and admiring all the projects that were being completed just after New Year’s.  I send my deepest sympathy to her family and special thoughts of love and peace. 

The prayer flags are so beautiful on this snowy afternoon and they are in full flutter in the wind, rest in peace beautiful friend Shirley.