Winnie Opal Hunziker Shelton passed away March 3, 2015, in Coupeville with her family by her side. The youngest of six children, Winnie was born in Langley Oct. 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 on temporary duty at NAS Whidbey. Winnie and John were married 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 more than 20 years.
Winnie was preceded in death by her husband; son-in-law, Michael Bartholomew; her parents; brother, Walter Hunziker Jr.; and sisters, Alice Oldenburg, Ellen Helland, Gladys Brandt and Margaret Bolin.
Surviving Winnie are her son, John Jr. (Nicki); daughter, Julie Shelton; grandchildren, Raleigh Bartholomew, of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Annie Bartholomew of Juneau, Alaska; and numerous nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to the family at John Shelton, P.O. Box 101, Hoonah, AK 99829; Julie Shelton, P.O. Box 32004, Juneau, AK 99803; or online at 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.
