Virginia Shea

Virginia H. Shea passed away on September 29, 2019 in Kenmore, Washington.

Virginia was born on June 28, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland to William and Hilda (Askins) Hoffman. After graduation from high school, she worked at Western Union during World War II. In late December 1945, Virginia met Patrick H. Shea, a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and after a 6-week courtship, they were married in Baltimore. She then moved with her new husband to Seattle and became a housewife and mother. Four children joined the family over the next 12 years.

Virginia and Pat moved into a home in Broadview on 3rd Avenue NW in Seattle, when it was a brand-new development. In 1967 they built a mountain chalet at Alpental where they enjoyed many years of snow skiing.

Virginia was an avid bridge, golf and tennis player. She was a member of several bridge groups and played every week if she could. Virginia was a member of The Jackson Jills golf group. She closely followed the Washington Huskies, Seattle Mariners and the Seahawks.

Virginia was an active member of University Presbyterian Church for many years and supported the Street Youth Ministries. One of her favorite charities was the Seattle Milk Fund, and she assisted their work for close to 30 years.

Virginia is survived by her four children; Kathleen Fellstrom, Michael (Susan) Shea, Steven Shea and Janice (Tom) Buehrer, grandchildren; Byron (Lisa) Fellstrom, Greg (Teri) Fellstrom, Colleen (Dean) O’Connor, Corey (Maggie) Shea, Kendall Shea, Lindsay (Ryan) Shea, Cameron Buehrer, Allison Buehrer and Natalie Buehrer, 7 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her brother, William Hoffman, Jr. of Williamsport, Maryland.

Virginia had a gentle demeanor and loved her family dearly. She was the reason they all came together for so many years for birthdays, holidays and family vacations. Her positive attitude, persistence and humor was enjoyed by all.

A memorial service is set for November 12, 2019 at 1:00 pm at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

Remembrances may be made to the Seattle Milk Fund or the Street Youth Ministries at University Presbyterian Church of Seattle.