Shirley Rae McHugh

Shirley Rae McHugh

October 15, 1933 - October 5, 2025

With her devoted family by her side at home, our sweet Shirley Rae McHugh (Uphus) peacefully passed on October 5, 2025. Born in Seattle, Washington on October 15, 1933 to Florence (O’Leary) and Ralph Uphus, she was the youngest of their 5 children. In 1938 the family moved to Tacoma, Washington where she attended Saint Patrick’s School and Aquinas Academy (Class of ‘51!)

Always adventurous and industrious, Shirley attended Seattle University where she made lifelong friends. She then gravitated to job opportunities that allowed her to travel the US. After working in Seattle, most notably at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair in the U.S. Science administrative offices, she lived in La Jolla CA, Havre MT, Washington DC and New York NY (also for the World’s Fair). During her last few years ‘abroad’ Shirley had been corresponding with a handsome man she met at a Kennedy Election party in 1960. Via post, Dave McHugh persuaded her to move back to Tacoma, and the two were married in December 1963 at Saint Patrick Church. They were married 57 years until Dave’s passing on October 8, 2020.

While Shirley and Dave were raising their three children, they immersed themselves in the communities of Saint Patrick and Bellarmine Preparatory. They served in so many ways; always making it seem like so much fun, creating friendships and laughter along the way, and including their kids in everything. Shirley became a Certified Nutritionist. It was at that time that she and Dave owned and operated Westgate Nutrition Center in north Tacoma as an extension of her being a life-long proponent of healthy living.

Shirley and Dave moved to Fox Island in 1990 opening their home to friends and family; weddings, birthdays, rugby parties, scouting events, community banquets, work parties - any and all were welcome!

Shirley was immensely creative and disciplined; she created beautiful and comfortable homes for all to enjoy, she journaled, exercised daily, gardened, baked, shopped, traveled, and doted on her kids and grandkids. Shirley gave the best compliments, and everyone stood up a little straighter after being with her.

Shirley’s kind, fun and thoughtful presence will be deeply missed but her love and legacy will live on. She is survived by her daughters Maureen McHugh (Peter), Megan Boly (Jeff), her son Ryan McHugh, her grandchildren Alex Ropes (Adam), Deven Ropes (Andrew), Sam Ropes (Anna), Emma Ropes, Bridget Boly, and Quinn Boly. “Aunt Shirley” or “Shirl” was loved and adored by all of her nieces, nephews, cousins, and many many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband David Charles McHugh and siblings Ralph Uphus (Rosemary), Rada Davies (Bob), Sister Patricia Uphus, and Jo Ann Uphus.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Val, Jessica, and Gabbie from Envision Hospice for their compassionate and dedicated care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Dominican Sisters of Tacoma Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Ave. SW. - C, Renton WA 98087.

Funeral will be held Friday, October 31, 2025 at St. Patrick Church 1123 North J Street, Tacoma at 11:00am. Reception to follow in church hall.  Burial will take place Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 12pm at the Fox Island Cemetery with a gathering to follow at the family home.