Shirley Rose Hale

Shirley Rose Hale

Shirley Rose Hale was born on May 22, 1920 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane WA to John Warren Bridge and Rose Marie Hickey. She graduated from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles and worked as a social worker until she married the love of her life, Carl Leroy (Lee) Hale in 1947.  The family lived in the San Francisco Bay Area until Lee retired in 1980, at which time Lee and Shirley retired to Tucson, AZ.

Shirley and Lee enjoyed boating on the Sacramento Delta, sailing San Francisco Bay and spending time in Hawaii. She was generous and enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home or on the boats. All guests were guaranteed to have a great meal, fine drink and a good time. Known for her elegant taste, she was an impeccable dresser, carried linen handkerchiefs and served desserts on doilies.

She remained a devout Catholic her entire life and attributed her longevity to her faith. Being a dedicated wife, loving mom, a doting grandmother (Noni) and great grandmother were her starring roles. She was a lifelong Republican and fervently patriotic. Besides reading she enjoyed oil painting, gourmet cooking and collecting Japanese art.

When asked about the favorite time period in her long life, she replied without hesitation “The Great Depression.” She explained that there was a strong feeling of closeness among families, community among neighbors and the entire country worked together and helped each other.

Shirley passed away peacefully at 101 years old in Kirkland, WA at the home of her loving daughter and caretaker, Kathryn. She was surrounded by several family members with her favorite big band and Hawaiian music being played.  She is survived by her four children, Greg Hale (Patt), Kathryn Hale, Joanne Field (Richard), Elaine Schreader and seven grandchildren: Shannon Field, Christopher Hale (Karen), Molly Elkin (Josh), Kelly Hale, Alexandra Murphy (Kelly), Katie Jones (Jayson) and Ryan Schreader as well as great grandchildren Eddie Elkin, Sonora Elkin, Joey Murphy, Rhys Murphy and Greyson Schreader.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 11:00 AM, Holy Family Catholic Church, 7045 120 th  Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98033. She will be interred with her husband Lee in a private ceremony.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Gary Sinese Foundation  garysinisefoundation.org.