Mary T. Shelton

Mary T. Shelton, 54, died suddenly Jan. 14, 2011, at her rural Wasilla home.

Mary Therese Zembel was born Sept. 26, 1956, in Seattle, Wash. She was blessed to be the chosen adopted daughter of Bernice Patricia Burke and Edward Zembel. Mary was raised in Washington, where she graduated from Bremerton High School and furthered her education to become a data entry clerk. For 20 years, she worked in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard until her retirement in 2000. She was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 192, having served as madam president 1991 to 1992. At the time of her death, she was soon to be honored with her 30-year pin, which her husband will receive in her memory.

In May 2001, Mary was united in marriage to Robert Shelton. In 2003, the couple moved to Alamogordo, N.M., and in 2007 moved to Wasilla. Mary loved life and embraced it to the fullest. In 2002, she returned to school and obtained an associate’s degree in medical billing and coding.

In 2002, Mary met her biological brother, Pat. As fate would have it, Pat and Mary had known each other for more than 20 years as Pat was a Bremerton UPS driver who routinely delivered to her office.

Of Mary, her family wrote, “Mary was a kind person who will be remembered for her unconditional love. She always sought out the good in everyone she met and she will be sorely missed by all those whose lives she touched. Rest in peace, Mary, we will always love you. We know you are dancing in Heaven with your stilettos on at the party you always wanted. Fudge doodle squat and ditto!”

Survivors include her husband, Robert, of Wasilla; father and step-mother, Ed and Paz Zembel of Farmington, N.M.; father-in-law, Bob Shelton and his wife, Marion, of Port Orchard, Wash.: extended family, Randy and Cyndy Shelton and Russell Tucker; as well as a host of friends found throughout the United States.

Preceding her in death were her first husband, John Svedberg; mother, Bernice; and her brother, Tommy Zembel.

A potluck celebration of Mary’s life is set for from 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 29 at 4851 South Bearpaw Circle in Wasilla. Friends can call 775-9982 for more information about her service. A second celebration will be held this spring in Bremerton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Mary Shelton Memorial Fund in care of Valley Funeral Home, 151 East Herning Ave., Wasilla, AK 99654.