My sister and best friend, Shirley Frederico, ended a 95 year journey on December 21, 2019. I am saying goodbye to her but I am remembering all the 26 years of fun we had in Ocean Shores.

Shirley was born Shirley Buckley in Entiat, Washington on August 2, 1924. She moved to Ocean Shores, Washington in 1993 after the death of her husband, Freddie Frederico, and she loved it there. She had a home on the Grand Canal where she enjoyed all the variety of critters, both on water and land. She played bridge and she was good at it. She always had the right card to stop a finesse try. Shirley always knew she wanted to be a teacher, and she was a terrific one. She taught in Orondo, Entiat, Wenatchee and Mercer Island, Washington.

She was a very kind and caring person. I received this poem from the Neptune Society. It expresses my feelings perfectly.

Your gentle face and patient smile

With sadness we recall.

You had a kindly word for each

And died beloved by all.

The voice is mute and stilled the heart

That loved us well and true,

Ah, bitter was the trial to part

From one as good as you.

You are not forgotten loved one

Nor will you ever be

As long as life and memory last

We will remember thee.

We miss you now, our hearts are sore,

As time goes by, we miss you more,

Your loving smile, your gentle face,

No one can fill your vacant place.