Shirley Claire Allen was born Sept. 5, 1923 in Spokane to Leila and Howard Olin.

She was raised in St. Maries, Idaho and attended Washington State University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. She married Robert Henry Allen in 1943.

She worked as a counselor at Echo Glen juvenile center and as a guardian ad litem for abused children. The couple resided in Spokane, Walla Walla, Bellevue and downtown Seattle.

After enjoying their weekend home on Mutiny Bay for many years, Bob and Shirley built their retirement home on Useless Bay Golf Course in 1988, where they shared their life with their family and friends.

Shirley was known for her style and beauty. She and Bob created a lovely home and entertained generously and graciously. Shirley was a voracious reader and possessed an intellectual curiosity and razor wit. She spoke her mind honestly and thoughtfully. Shirley adored her granddaughters, Perry Claire and Kai Lin Claire Firth and loved her daughter-in-law, Linda Allen, as her own.

Shirley Claire Allen passed away peacefully in Seattle on Oct. 31, 2008 surrounded by her children Scott, Wendy, Bill and her niece, Sarah. She will be remembered lovingly by all who knew her.

A private memorial, at her request, will be at the Langley Cemetery. She will rest alongside her husband, Robert Henry Allen.

“Think where man’s glory begins and ends. My glory was — I had such friends.”