Shirley Barentine Sahleen, a cherished matriarch whose spirit and unwavering love imbued every corner of her home, passed away on August 18, 2024, at St. Michael’s in Silverdale. She embodied the very essence of warmth and kindness, radiating a light that brightened the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Shirley was born on September 13, 1938, to Carl and Evelyn Pedersen. She was a lifelong resident of Bainbridge Island, graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1956. While in high school, she was a member of Rainbow Girls – Bainbridge Assembly #106. After graduation she went to work for Pacific Northwest Bell where she worked until marrying. She was also an active member of the Therzy K. Jensen Orthopedic Guild on Bainbridge.
Shirley met the love of her life, Gerald Sahleen, in the summer of 1958 through her dear friend, Karen Reitan, and Bob Ostrand. Their first date was a double date with Karen and Bob at the Big Bear Drive-In. Shirley and Jerry married June 18, 1960, and after living a year and working two jobs in Pullman while Jerry finished college, they moved back to Poulsbo and eventually built their permanent home on Bainbridge Island.
Shirley was very much devoted to her family. She and Jerry had three children. When all three of her children took up skiing, she took ski lessons so they could all ski as a family. Attending their sporting events, as well as her grandchildren’s, was a highlight for her. She was looking forward to the birth of her fifth great grandchild on September 12. Aside from her own children’s activities, she was very much a part of the lives of her siblings. Shirley enjoyed Sunday afternoon get-togethers with family, a tradition that started with her parents.
Shirley also liked to travel, garden and was an avid Seattle Mariners fan. She and Jerry spent many summers camping with their children, taking trips, and eventually became snowbirds in Arizona for several winters in their motorhome. Her green thumb was evident in the many flowers that adorned her patio baskets, flower beds, and her large dahlia garden. While most people would dig up those dahlias in the fall, she did not and every year those beautiful dahlias came back better than ever. She was always sharing these bouquets with family and friends. Shirley did not miss a Mariners game if she could help it, occasionally attending a game in person, but preferring to watch it on TV. She knew her Mariners players and would not hesitate to give her opinion on a player if he was not playing well!
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Evelyn Pedersen, and sister-in-law Sue Pedersen. She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Jerry Sahleen, her three adoring children Roger (Sandra), Steven (Lisa), and Kristine McConaughy (Joel), four grandchildren – Cole Sahleen (Carolann), Karsen Sahleen, Thomas Kribble (Ngoc), and Brianna Kim (Steve), and five great grandchildren Mason, Evelyn, Eric, Lily, and Skyler. She also leaves behind siblings Carl Pedersen, Sandra Russell (Bob), Patty Barlow (Dave), Linda Thompson (Michael), Tina Schager (Vern), and Rae Anne Jordan (Jerry), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is being planned for the summer of 2025.
Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.
