Obituary: Shirley Thompson Opstad
September 18, 2008
By Contributed
Shirley Thompson Opstad, of Federal Way, died September 7, 2008 at home after a long battle with Lymphoma. She was 73.
Shirley graduated from Cleveland High School in 1952 and from the University of Washington in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology. Her parents, Gerald E. and Marguerite Thompson, operated the Busy Bee Restaurant in 1939 and 1940 in Issaquah before moving to Alaska. They were at Dutch Harbor on December 7, 1941. Shirley and her mother were evacuated back to Seattle later that month. E. R. Opstad, former superintendent of Snoqualmie Valley Schools, and Hermia T. Opstad were her parents-in-law. She was pleased to participate, with a dozen or more other Opstad family members, at the dedication of Opstad Elementary School in North Bend, named for her father-in-law, in 1988. Francis and Al Lee of North Bend, were her aunt and uncle.
After marrying Ed Opstad in December 1956, she was an Army wife and mother for 25 years after which she worked as a medical interviewer for Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. An avid bridge player, Shirley earned Silver Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League.
She is survived by her husband, Edwin, her children, Carol Jaeger, Ruth Lowe, Mary Pacher, and Lars Opstad, and her 8 grandchildren.
A memorial service was to be held on Tuesday, September 16, at 1 p.m. at the Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, 1829 South 308th Street, in Federal Way. Remembrances may be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center or to a charity of your choice. Full obituary, directions and on-line guest book at www.flintofts.com.
Arrangements are by Flintofts Funeral Home and Crematory.
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