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Obituary for Winnie Shelton
Winnie Opal Hunziker Shelton passed away March 3, 2015, in Coupeville with her family by her side. The youngest of 6 children, Winnie was born in Langley, Washington, on October 29, 1919, to parents Alice Howard and Walter Hunziker, Sr. Winnie’s mother Alice died when Winnie was 5 years old. She was raised by her older sisters and brother as well as her father and stepmother Florence. She had a happy childhood, much of it spent with her “Cousin Jean” Howard Holt, who remained a lifelong friend.
Winnie attended school in Langley, skipping the third grade and graduating Salutatorian at age 16. After graduation, she worked at Puget Sound Power & Light for six years. She attended business school in Seattle before taking a job with Island County Social Services in Coupeville.
She met her husband John while he was stationed for temporary duty at NAS Whidbey. Winnie and John were married on June 6, 1943 and purchased their home on Kennedy’s Lagoon where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Winnie loved her daily swims. She hosted many picnics. Winnie was known for her clam chowder and fried oysters.
She was a huge fan of her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, the Mariners, and especially the SEAHAWKS. All were a great source of pleasure in her life. She loved teddy bears; her first bear was a genuine “Growler,” a gift from her brother after her mother died. Her extensive collection included many “Winnie the Pooh” favorites.
Winnie was active as a Democratic Party precinct leader and volunteered along with her husband for many charitable activities, including the Blood Drive, Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels. She loved children; nurturing four foster children and teaching Sunday School at the Methodist Church for over 20 years.
Winnie was preceded in death by her husband; son-in-law Michael Bartholomew; her parents; brother Walter Hunziker Jr.; sisters Alice Oldenburg, Ellen Helland, Gladys Brandt, and Margaret Bolin.
Surviving Winnie are her son John, Jr. (Nicki); daughter Julie Shelton; grandchildren Raleigh Bartholomew, Fairbanks, Alaska and Annie Bartholomew, Juneau, Alaska; and numerous nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to the family at: John Shelton, PO Box 101, Hoonah, Alaska 99829; Julie Shelton, PO Box 32004, Juneau, Alaska 99803; or online www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
The family thanks the wonderful friends who visited Winnie and helped her lead a full life after she became a widow. No services will be held at Winnie’s request. Memorial contributions may be made to Help House, 1091 SE Hathaway Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277; or Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF), PO Box1108, Coupeville, WA 98239.
Winnie attended school in Langley, skipping the third grade and graduating Salutatorian at age 16. After graduation, she worked at Puget Sound Power & Light for six years. She attended business school in Seattle before taking a job with Island County Social Services in Coupeville.
She met her husband John while he was stationed for temporary duty at NAS Whidbey. Winnie and John were married on June 6, 1943 and purchased their home on Kennedy’s Lagoon where they lived for the remainder of their lives. Winnie loved her daily swims. She hosted many picnics. Winnie was known for her clam chowder and fried oysters.
She was a huge fan of her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, the Mariners, and especially the SEAHAWKS. All were a great source of pleasure in her life. She loved teddy bears; her first bear was a genuine “Growler,” a gift from her brother after her mother died. Her extensive collection included many “Winnie the Pooh” favorites.
Winnie was active as a Democratic Party precinct leader and volunteered along with her husband for many charitable activities, including the Blood Drive, Food Bank, and Meals on Wheels. She loved children; nurturing four foster children and teaching Sunday School at the Methodist Church for over 20 years.
Winnie was preceded in death by her husband; son-in-law Michael Bartholomew; her parents; brother Walter Hunziker Jr.; sisters Alice Oldenburg, Ellen Helland, Gladys Brandt, and Margaret Bolin.
Surviving Winnie are her son John, Jr. (Nicki); daughter Julie Shelton; grandchildren Raleigh Bartholomew, Fairbanks, Alaska and Annie Bartholomew, Juneau, Alaska; and numerous nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to the family at: John Shelton, PO Box 101, Hoonah, Alaska 99829; Julie Shelton, PO Box 32004, Juneau, Alaska 99803; or online www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
The family thanks the wonderful friends who visited Winnie and helped her lead a full life after she became a widow. No services will be held at Winnie’s request. Memorial contributions may be made to Help House, 1091 SE Hathaway Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277; or Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF), PO Box1108, Coupeville, WA 98239.
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