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OBITUARY
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OBITUARY |
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Virginia Chatfield Flaherty1921-2007
Virginia Chatfield Flaherty, a long time resident of Bay View and Orcas Island, and a fabulous dance partner passed away on September 19, 2007 during a short stay at Islands Hospital in Anacortes, WA. Virginia was born in September 1921 and spent her childhood in Tacoma and Seattle where she attended I.J. Stevens School and Garfield High School. As a young woman, she moved to Orcas Island where she met the love of her life, Terrence “Terry” Floyd Flaherty. Virginia and Terry were married in May 1947 and began their life together in West Sound where they lived for eight years before moving to Skagit County. In addition to raising her two daughters and supporting Terry’s business endeavors, Virginia maintained a deep commitment to community and national involvement. She was a charter member of the Orcas Island Yacht Club and a member of the Voyle B. Martin Post # 93 Auxilary . Virginia will be remembered for her service to the Republican Party, years served as a Washington State Fair Commissioner, and proud owner of Murray Grey cattle. She served on the San Juan County Fair Board for 20 years, seven years on the Washington Fair Association and was appointed to the Washington State Fair Commission for nine years. During her four decades of active involvement in the Republican Party, she held a number of positions including Skagit County Republican Chairwoman, Sedro Woolley Woman’s Republican Club President, Vice President of Washington Federation of Republican Women, Northwest District Director of Washington Federation of Republican Women, President of the Washington State Federation of Republican Women, and served on the National Federation of Republican Women as Vice Chairwoman. The Flaherty Family moved to their farm at Bay View in 1964 where in 1981 she and Terry began raising purebred Murray Grey cattle. She later joined the Australian, Canadian, and American Murray Grey Associations as well as Skagit County, Washington State and National Cattlewomen Associations. Her involvement with these organizations led her to participate in two Murray Grey World Congresses. Virginia and Terry often traveled to Montana, Canada, and Australia for Murray Grey conventions. Virginia grew-up spending summers in the San Juan Islands and developed a life-long love for Orcas Island. In 1945, she purchased property on West Beach where she and Terry built a cabin. Virginia loved spending sunny days on the beach and their Orcas Island cabin quickly became the favorite gathering spot for summer vacations and family occasions. Always ready for an adventure, Virginia and Terry spent 15 summers exploring the waters of British Columbia and Alaska aboard their boat, Summer Wine, and made countless friends at dock parties up and down the coast. Virginia will be greatly missed for her willing friendship, her abundant laughter, and her wonderful sense of adventure. Her love of family, passion for traveling, delight in celebrations punctuated by her quick intellect, and chocolate deserts will not be forgotten. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Flaherty. She is survived by her two daughters; Flavia and husband David Carlson of Orcas Island, and Terresa and husband Mike Sundstrom of San Juan Island. She is also survived by four grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Deanna Eltinge with husband Adam and daughters Amelia and Grace, Trevin Carlson with wife Melinda, Adam Sundstrom with wife Sarah Lord and daughter Nora, Emily Lunoe with husband Leif and their children Eva and Lars. A memorial service will be held at Hulbush Funeral Home 281 South Burlington Blvd. Burlington, WA on Monday October 8, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Donations may be made to Orcas Island Historical Society, in memory of Virginia and Terry Flaherty. |
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