Shirley A Tamcke, age 75, of Bellingham was born Aug. 6, 1938 passed away peacefully Friday, June 13, 2014 following a long courageous battle with COPD.
In 1955 Shirley met Richard “Dick” Rohwer and they were married in 1956. From that union her children Victor, Jeffery, Teresa, Cheryl were born. They divorced in 1978 and remained friends.
In 1985 Shirley met and married Ronald Tamcke. Shirley and Ron enjoyed many memorable years of travel together- Their annual pilgrimages took them to Hawaii each year for fun in the sun, swimming, sunbathing, sightseeing, Iz concerts, going to the Hoffbrau`, swap meets, taking photos, visiting lifelong friends and just strolling on the beach. Shirley was a true “Spitfire” and spoke her mind as she saw it (A family trait!) If you were on the receiving end she always had the last word. She definitely danced to the beat of her own drum.
Always buying material to sew Hawaiian shirts and dresses- Shirley was a very accomplished seamstress. In the 70's she worked for Loman & Healy-Sportscaster NW sewing ski clothing and apparel. Then she moved on to a 25 year career at K-mart. Very much a “people person” she made many friends there along the way.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents: James L. Jones and Agnes M. (Peterson) Jones Mead and her brother, Charles Mead. She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years Ronald J. Tamcke; children, Victor (Carol) Rohwer, Jeffery (Leah) Rohwer, Teresa (Dave) Rohwer Hurd and Cheryl (Rick) Marshall; Step-daughters, Brenda (Kyle) Garcia and Debbie (Chris) Parmeter; grandchildren, Tiffney, Ashley, Ricky, Kelly, Melanie, Katy, Megan, Amanda and Sammy; great grandchildren, Enrique, Kieran and Anthony; sisters, Hazel Galen and Janet; brothers, James “Bucky” Jones, Monte, John and David Mead; sisters & brothers in law, Maryann Strever, Bill & Dixie Tamcke and John & Lisa Chinn. A special thanks to Punk and Hazel for just being there.
In accordance with Shirley's wishes there will be no formal services. A special “Celebration of life Luau” will be held 3:00 – 7: 00 PM, Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Cornwall Park main picnic shelter. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share and don't forget to wear your best Hawaiian shirt. All those who knew Shirley are welcome to come and share memories. For Luau Celebration questions contact daventar@gmail.com or call (425) 344-5737.
