Ethel Elizabeth Johnson Shew

life story

Forever Gracious

Ethel always made everyone feel welcome, and was the consummate hostess. She maintained this graciousness throughout every stage of her life. Her laughter and smiles were gifts she generously shared with everyone she encountered!

About Ethel

Ethel was born in Seattle of Swedish immigrant parents, Gus and Ellen. She was the youngest of 3 children, Margaret and Paul, and was the darling of the family. She was born during the recovery from the Spanish Influenza, and so survived 2 global pandemics.

Ethel had neighbors from many countries, and was shaped by her mother's generosity toward others, who delivered bags of groceries to those in need during the Great Depression. Her social conscience and compassion were further stimulated by witnessing the WWII internment of her kind Japanese neighbors who owned a beautiful gardening business. She worked hard along with her family members, and her first job at age 15 was introducing avocados at Pike's Place Market where her family knew "everyone".

She married Lawrence Richard ("Bud") Shew when she was 19. They loved to dance and were married for 11 years before their first child, Judy, was born in Petaluma, CA in 1947. A second daughter, Paula, was born in Modesto, CA in 1954. Bud's work with the US Department of Agriculture took them from Seattle to CA, PA, NJ and later to Memphis, TN. Everywhere they lived, Ethel and Bud made friends, entertained, and brought laughter and kindness to others. Sadly, she was widowed when Bud was only 54, and never remarried.

Ethel finished High School and later was able to take community college courses in Modesto. She would loved to have completed a college education and spoke of becoming a doctor or horse trainer! She stayed home to care for her children, whose dreams and further education she always encouraged. Whenever any of us applied for a job she'd say, "They'd be lucky to have you!"

She worked in women's retail for most of her life. She loved fashion, dressing beautifully, and helping her customers find attire that made them feel great. She was tickled to have customers like Elvis Presley's and Archie Manning's moms. Many special ladies trusted her completely, and came to her several times a year to be "dressed" and to share their personal stories. She completed her career in retail at MM Cohn's in Memphis as the Germantown Store manager and only retired (at age 70) because the store closed.

She spent the rest of her life living next door to her family in Minneapolis, where she helped to care for Chelsea, Ethan, Damon and Erin, her beloved grandchildren. She loved nothing more than being with her family: Judy & Gary Gack (Fleming Isle, FL); Paula & Patrick Coyne, Mpls; Damon & Cathy Coyne (S. St. Paul, MN); Erin, Brandon, Liliana & Caeden Head (Wayzata, MN); Chelsea, Tom, Solvei & Maeve Ritland (Mpls, MN); and Ethan Coyne & Ali Nardone (Mpls, MN), celebrating holidays and the everyday moments of life together.

Her devoted nieces Joy Wallace (Portland OR) and Lynn (and Pete) Fenton (Sumner, WA) travelled to see Auntie Ethel for multiple birthdays and always stayed in touch. She was well-loved by Patrick's family and enjoyed many a card game, glass of wine, and evenings over-looking Lake Superior with Chris & Tom Troxell & family (of CO and now Seattle); Jack, Diane & sons (Buffalo, NY); and the Chabus clan of NY! Her best friend, Jane Davis, died 1 month before Ethel (at age 99). They stayed in touch and laughed often about shared memories.

She was a talented seamstress and quilter, and loved horses, pets, roses and Tiger Woods! She had a sharp mind, read the newspaper every day, voted right up to the last Presidential election, and enjoyed Jeopardy, Alex Trebek, and a glass of Chardonnay! She had a sense of beauty and an appreciation for fine living, and never forgot that others were less fortunate. She lived the last 6 years with Paula and Patrick and of course her beloved cockapoo, Barney, and spent her days getting to know her great -grandchildren.

When Ethel became aware that her health and vitality were declining she contemplated death but thought better of it. "No", she said, frowning. "I don't have time for that. I still have too much to do!" She enjoyed her life as fully as she could until she fell early on June 14th, and then died in her bed at home on June 16th, her 102nd birthday, surrounded by candles, roses, and song as her family celebrated her life.

Ethel was a living example of daily gratitude, appreciation and kindness.

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services