Shirley Carey

Shirley J. Carey, a long time resident of Portland, died peacefully early Saturday morning on June 28, 2014 in New Mexico. She was born in 1931 in Walla Walla, Washington, to Alexander and Mildred Schmidt. Shirley and her big sister, Marian, grew up surrounded by their large, extended family including many German relatives who had emigrated from Russia. Shirley and her mother were baptized in Walla Walla , and Shirley often said, I talk to God all the time. After moving to Portland she worked for over 35 years on The Hill as the supervising purchasing agent as well as the surplus property manager. She enjoyed her career at what is now known as OHSU and chose to work long after her official retirement. Shirley loved road trips, cats, anything purple and celebrating holidays. Always clever and artistic, she handmade many of the gifts she gave friends and relatives... After retirement, she shared in the fellowship and encouragement of TOPS, a nationwide weight loss support club. She served as leader of a local chapter for over 10 years and was honored as the TOPS Queen of the entire state of Oregon when she attained her perfect weight. Loving and loveable, Shirley was an interested, caring mother, grandmother, and friend. She cherished her relationships and remained close to her extended family. Shirley will be remembered not only for her sweet spirit but for the legacy of joy, generosity, bravery, inspiration, leadership, integrity, compassion, humility and fearlessness she left for those who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her step daughter, Audrey Skinner of Oregon and is survived by her sister, Marian Burton of Portland, Oregon. Also surviving are her step children, Wes Carey of Washington, Gloria McCoy of Arizona, Jill Carey-Lickley of New Mexico as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren and cousins. A graveside service will be held at Rose City Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on Friday, July 25, 2014 at 2 PM.