Shirley Congdon was born August 17, 1912, in Seattle, to Scotty and Mattie Foster. Shirley's early childhood was spent in the family home on Mercer Island. She and her sister, Dorothy, attended school on Mercer Island and, on the weekend, would ride with their father on the ferry to Seattle, where Shirley would take her Violin lessons. In 1926, her father took a job with the Great Northern Railroad Co. and the family moved to Wenatchee, where she attended Wenatchee High School. She continued to play the Violin and became an accomplished violinist. In 1930, Shirley was crowned Wenatchee's Apple Blossom Queen. While in high school, Shirley became friends with Emeline Congdon and her family and soon met Emeline's brother, Russell, her future husband. Following high school, Shirley attended Cornish School in Seattle, studying Violin, while Russell attended the University of Washington, preparing for medical school. In 1937, Russell and Shirley were married in the family cabin on Lake Chelan. They lived in Seattle while Russell finished his medical internship, then moved back to Wenatchee, where they started their family. In 1942, Russell and Shirley and their two young sons, Rich and Jon, drove to North Carolina, where Russell shipped out to North Africa to join the War effort as an Army Surgeon. When Russell and his brother, Gordon, returned from the War, they joined their father, Dr. Russell T. Congdon, in his medical practice in Wenatchee. Although Shirley's time was filled with supporting her husband in his medical practice and raising their five children, her life also included many outside adventures, family, friends and music. She played in the Wenatchee Symphony Orchestra for many years, and hiked regularly for over 25 years with a group of ladies known as the "Mountain Dears." The group is still active. Shirley studied the birds and flowers, loved hunting mushrooms and collecting rocks and was always rejuvenated by time spent with good companions, out in the wilderness she loved. Shirley, Russell and the family spent many memorable weekends and vacations in the outdoors and at their cabin on Lake Chelan. She will be remembered for her resilient, optimistic attitude and sheer joy of life. Shirley died peacefully at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee on December 10, 2009.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Russell S. Congdon; her parents; and her sister, Dorothy Burns. Shirley is survived by her sons, Richard Congdon of Wenatchee, Jon Congdon of Sammamish, Ralph Congdon of Wenatchee and Ernie Congdon of Seattle; her daughter, Noelle Congdon of Seattle; and four grandchildren, Brian Congdon, Luis Congdon, Jordan Congdon and Michael Congdon.

The family wishes to thank Shirley's many friends and acquaintances for their thoughts, prayers, love and support especially in her later years.

Shirley's Life will be Celebrated with a Private Family Memorial.