Shirley Cotter died June 26, 2021 at Virginia Mason Hospital. She was born on April 10, 1926 to Bellevue pioneers William and Audrey Ristine Smith. Shirley and her 2 brothers grew up on their original farm property located where Bellevue Square now stands and later moved to farmlands on Mercer Slough.
A 1944 graduate of Bellevue High School, she went on to complete the U.S. Army Nurse Cadet Program and in 1947 graduated from the Virginia Mason School of Nursing. She continued her education at Seattle University and met Jack R. Cotter. They married in June of 1949. Shirley spent 46 years devoted to working at Virginia Mason Medical Center, serving in nearly every department. In 1988 she retired as Director of Nursing Education.
Shirley was a prolific gardener and enjoyed sewing. She supported Project Linus and Camp Erin with her quilting skills. She was a long time member of the Washington Athletic Club, Carleton Park Garden Club, Greater Seattle District Garden Club and The Cascade Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. She was a faith-filled parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Church and loved her time with the Lucia Guild and the Quilting Group.
Shirley is survived by her son, Bill, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and extended Smith family. Her husband Jack, daughters Sharon and Kerry and brothers Walter and Deane predeceased her.
Memorials may be made to the Marguerite Mansperger Nursing Education Fund, fund #1274, Virginia Mason Foundation, D1-MF, PO Box 1930, Seattle, WA 98111-1930, or online at virginiamasonfoundation.org.
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