Obituary of Shirley March Markus

Shirley was born in Seattle, WA, Dec 21, 1929 to James Stanley (Stan) and Florence March. She was born into God’s family in the waters of Holy Baptism on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930 at Christ Anglican Church Cathedral in Victoria B.C.  Her love for God, appreciation for His grace through Christ, and commitment to growing in the faith sustained her throughout her life. 

The March family moved to West Seattle in 1930, where Shirley continued to live until 2001. Shirley attended Lafayette grade school, James Madison Jr. High, and West Seattle High School. At age 15, Shirley’s first job was at the downtown Seattle Bon Marche, which she quit after her Junior year to be more devoted to school.  After graduating high school in 1947, Shirley worked at Peoples Bank in the West Seattle Junction and joined Rainbow Girls.  In 1949 she was installed as Rainbow Girls Worthy Advisor. Subsequently she met her husband, Charles (Chuck) Markus at a Rainbow hosted function and they married on April 14, 1951 at Hope Lutheran Church in West Seattle. The couple joined Hope Church on Dec 22, 1956 and became active members of the congregation, getting involved as Sunday School teachers, Evangelism Explosion callers, and Stephen Ministers, to name a few.   

Shirley and Chuck were blessed with three children: LoAnne, Karen, and James. Together with her husband, Shirley created a loving, nurturing and fun home environment for the family of five where faith in God was a cornerstone.  The family enjoyed summer trips to Marrowstone Island in WA State and to Victoria B.C. Canada to visit family and friends. The children always looked forward to the applesauce, pears and raspberry jam that Shirley canned from the fruits harvested from their backyard trees and berry bushes. Shirley and Chuck enjoyed many fun times bowling on the “Hope Hopefuls” at Roxbury Lanes and golfing at Foster Golf Course.  

After 35 years of devoted marriage, Shirley was widowed in 1986. While forever cherishing the time she had with her beloved husband here on earth, Shirley kept busy working at numerous fun and interesting jobs in West Seattle at Bianchi Zaar Realty, JF Henry, and Menasche & Sons.  She also worked at Andrews Hallmark in downtown Seattle. After retiring in 1998, Shirley’s days were filled with volunteer work and special times with family and friends.  Trips and adventures that were only dreamed of came true. She even enjoyed a ride in a glider over Marysville, doing wing over and loop de loops.   

In 2001, Shirley realized it was time to move closer to family.  So, in January 2002 she moved to Sheffield Place in Fife, WA.  She immediately became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Puyallup.  This new adventure became a joy to her as the Lord opened doors of new opportunities.    While living in Fife, Shirley made many friends in her new community and volunteered at the local Chamber of Commerce.  Her beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes and kindness drew people to her and served her well wherever she roamed.   

Once grandson Mark graduated from Fife High School, Shirley sold her home at Sheffield Place and moved to Puyallup.  The people and activities at the Senior Center brought her much joy as did the many fun excursions and trips. In 2018 Shirley transferred to Mountain View Lutheran Church in Edgewood, just up the hill from her Puyallup “cottage.” Her love for her Lord was always a great joy, knowing He was her salvation and anchor.   

In July 2019, Shirley moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Home (now Eliseo) enjoying the companionship of new friends along with her beautiful view of evergreen trees.  In early May of 2023, Shirley required increasing care which was provided by skilled nursing at Eliseo. Her final earthly move was made on June 29, 2023 to Franciscan Hospice House in University Place, WA where she entered the Kingdom of Heaven on July 4, 2023.  

Shirley is survived by her grateful and loving children: LoAnne Forschmiedt (Rik), Karen Treneer (Charles), and James Markus (Elizabeth) three Grandchildren: Andrew Forschmiedt (Alice), Stephanie Treneer (Colin Ferguson) and Charles Markus (Mark) Treneer and three Great grandchildren: Kellen Forschmiedt, Xander Ferguson and Violet Ferguson. Our beloved and beautiful mother, grandmother and great grandmother is dearly loved and will be sorely missed throughout our remaining days.  

Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 29, 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church 3505 - 122nd Ave E, Edgewood WA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in remembrance of Shirley may be designated to the Mission Endowment Fund of Mountain View Lutheran Church, or to the Eliseo Staff Care Fund Attn: Eliseo Foundation (1301 N Highlands Pkwy Tacoma, WA 98406).