Shirlee Ann Smith

Shirlee A. Smith was born in North Bend, Nebraska as a Leap Year baby on February 29, 1936, and passed away on November 20, 2022 in Tacoma at the age of 86. She is survived by her husband of over 35 years, Sam Smith, her children Brett Purtzer (Kim Heggerness) and their children, Quentin and Hailey, and Mark Purtzer (Linda). She is also survived by Sam's children, Stacey LaFave (Eileen) and their children, Cameron and Evan, and Shelle Smith and her children, Nathan, Vincent and Marisa, and her grandson, Christian.

Shirlee was an elementary school teacher in the Mount Vernon School District for many years where she taught 2nd, 4th and 6th grades. After retiring from teaching, she and Sam opened Brass Unlimited, a music store in Bellingham where they supplied musical instruments and music supplies to many of the schools in Skagit, Whatcom and Island counties. They frequently traveled to Phoenix, Arizona where they both enjoyed the warm and dry weather to get away from the northwest winter months.

Shirlee enjoyed spending time with her family and attending events that her grandchildren were involved with. She was an excellent cook, excellent musician, tremendous gardener, and wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will truly be missed by all.

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