Shirlene W. Brown (Boad)

A beautiful and amazing woman and mother, Shirlene W. Brown (Boad), 90, passed away on June 3, 2016. She was born in 1926 in Upland, California, to Raymond and Gladys Wheeler and grew up in Ontario, California where she graduated from Chaffey High School in 1948. Shirlene met her husband, Wayne E. Brown, while attending Chaffey High and they married after his return from WWII. They lived in Ontario until 1967 when the big adventure to Alaska began with their three daughters Leslie, Lindsey and Tracy.

Shirlene worked as an Administrative Secretary for many years for, and retired from, the Teamsters Local 959. She resided with her family in Anchorage from 1967 to 1979, when she and Wayne retired to Wasilla, Alaska, where she lived at the time of her passing. If ever there was a golf fan, it was mom. She played up until the age of 83 and developed many cherished friendships.

She was the ultimate hostess at her place for “Friday Night Cocktail Hour” and she was famous for “Boad’s Martini” which she referred to as “Nectar of the Gods.”

Her grandsons wrote, “Grandma was a classy lady who brought friends and family together. We will remember her salmon spread sandwiches. She was a wonderful grandmother, great life-teacher, golfer, friend and dancer. She taught us long ago that the sooner you begin to enjoy life, the more thankful you’ll become for it, and the more likely you are to do the right thing. We will miss her love and laughter.”

Shirlene was a member of the Valley Golf Association, Teamsters Local 959, and the Palmer Elks Lodge 1842. She is survived by her three daughters, Leslie Matura and partner Richard Hamblen, Lindsey Galin- husband Jonathan Galin, Tracy Wilson- husband Patrick Wilson; four grandchildren, Anthony Matura- wife Kathy, Timothy Smith, Joshua Smith - wife Nikki, Tyler Smith and partner Miranda; two great-grandchildren, Remmy Smith and Arya Smith; and dear friend, whom she lovingly referred to as her “adopted daughter” Diane (Dino) Kennedy. She was also blessed to have a very special high school girlfriend, Shirley Waller and her husband J.T. Waller, from Upland, California, whom she loved dearly.

Shirlene was preceded in death by the love of her life, her “Treasure” Wayne. Her ashes will be scattered at a private gathering. Join her family for a toast at the Elks Lodge #1842 on Friday, June 24, at 4:45 p.m.