Shanley Ann Lett, 75, of Lopez Island, Washington, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2020 in her home on Lopez Island. She was born on May 3, 1945 in California, the daughter of Thomas Robert Burrier and Ann Louise Rubitino. Shanley spent most of her life in the Marysville area. Her father had a wood-working business in Marysville as well as a restaurant where Shanley was employed in the latter part of high-school. Shanley went to the University of Washington while working at her parent’s restaurant.

Shanley went to work for the Scott Paper Company in Everett. This led to her life-long career in the insurance industry working for Northwestern Mutual on 2nd in Pine, in downtown Seattle.

Shanley met the love of her life, James “Jimbe” Lett in Seattle while working at Unigard Insurance Group (formerly known as Northwestern Mutual). She was active in their re-insurance department where Jim was Director of Loss Control.

Jim and Shanley both had a job that required considerable travel around the world working re-insurance for the company. They traveled together for many years. They were married on January 17, 1995 and spent the last 25 years sharing their love of many outdoor activities including, backpacking, hiking, skiing and boating, to name a few. Their shared love of nature and a view of the water led them to begin construction on their “forever home” on Lopez Island in 1991. To say that Shanley loved animals of all kinds, is a considerable understatement. She opened up her heart and her home to the most vulnerable.

Shanley was an exceptional writer/editor and photographer and she shared her talent and wit writing the newsletters for the Lopez Children’s Center and the Lopez Island Yacht Club. Shanley had a lot of friends on the island who got together on a regular basis and soon became known as the “Lopez Game Ladies” which continued on until her death. Shanley’s stellar shuffling skills earned her the nickname among the adies, “Thumbs”.

Along with her outstanding organizational and writing abilities, Shanley was a superior party-planner, generous hostess, model-home decorator and beloved daughter, sister, wife, mom and grandma.

Shanley is preceded in death by her parents and beloved brother, Thomas Williams. She is survived by her husband James C. Lett, step-children and their spouses; Cheryl Khera, James Bryan Lett, Suzanne Pitone, and Jennifer and Robert Cordts; and grandchildren, Tatiana, Annalisa, Damini, Jimi Kai and Daisy Mae; Sister-in-law Irmtrud and her husband, Les Peterson; brother Larry Williams; Nephew Michael Williams and children, Bailey, Wyatt and Kaitlynn; Niece Nancy Williams and Kailane Cruz- Williams and son Thomas.

Grandma was a title Shanley not only wore with pride but also went above and beyond to make certain each grandchild knew s/he was loved.

A small, family memorial will be held at the Center Church on Lopez, where she will rest in peace.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc., Anacortes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Lopez Children’s Center at www.lopezchildrenscenter.org.

To share memories of Shanley, please sign the online guestbook at https://www.evanschapel.com/obits.