Shirley Jean Ortega

Shirley Jean Ortega Shirley, born on June 12, 1930 in Bremerton, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home in Olympia, Washington on July 2, 2012. We lost a living angel on that day, but she is now an angel in heaven watching over every one of us. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren at the time of her death. Her battle with cancer was a quick one. She passed just two months after receiving her diagnosis. Shirley’s legacy of generous and unselfishness acts of kindness will forever be remembered. Upon her passing, Shirley joined her beloved husband, Alex “Amigo” Ortega; her daughter, Jackie Lyn Ortega; two of her siblings, Barbara (Sudan) Hamilton and James Hamilton; and many other friends, relatives, and in-laws. Those left on earth to carry on her legacy are her sister, Frances (McMahan) Hamilton; son, James (Sue) Ortega; daughter, Toni Dotson; adopted granddaughter, Shirley Gina Ortega ; granddaughter, Dara Dotson; four grandsons, Darren Ortega, Jamie Ortega, Troy Dotson, and Nicholas Ortega; and lastly, her pride and joy, her only great grandchild, Jackson David Nation. Shirley has lived in Olympia for the last ten and a half years. She had some wonderful friends and neighbors at Boardwalk II, all of whom she loved and received the same love back. She became a legend there as she worked as the custodian of the entire building. She enjoyed going to the Farmer’s Market with her great-grandson and many other local activities. Shirley was always ready to go to the casino, even on short notice. Before arriving at the Boardwalk II, she lived the greatest majority of her life in a small town of Glenoma, in east Lewis County. She began her first legacy working as the secretary at Glenoma Grade School, for 28 years. She watched two generations of children come through the doors of Glenoma Grade School. All of her children and grandchildren attended this school as well. She treated every child the same, with respect, dignity, and compassion. I’m sure every child that passed through those doors remembers her whistle and standing against the wall. It deeply saddened Shirley when the decision to tear down the school was made. She always loved a return trip home to the valley to visit her friends she left behind, but never returned after the demolition was complete. She is a legacy in East Lewis County and in Olympia at Boardwalk II. A celebration of life will be held at White Pass High School, sometime in late August. We will have more details to follow as we continue to plan this great event. Donations may be made in Shirley’s name to Providence SoundHome Care and Hospice (360) 493-7981. Please leave memories of Shirley or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.