Shirley Jean (Poleo) Yazalina

Shirley Jean Poleo Yazalina was born in Portland, Oregon on February 19, 1935 to Julia Oliverio and Sam Poleo. She passed away on February, 16, 2021 at the age of 85. Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband Frank one week before. He was the love of her life! She is also survived by her three daughters, Susan (Mike), Julie (Chris), and Kathy (Brent), her six grandchildren Amanda (Greyson), Emily, Nicole, Jack, Julia, and Sophia.

Shirley grew up near northeast 55th and Clackamas with her parents and sister Carol Torchia. She attended Grant High School, graduating in 1952, where she was involved in art earning a golden key. She loved to draw and had a flair for fashion. She studied Home Economics at Oregon State University. Shirley was an assistant buyer before becoming a sales manager in the women’s and children’s department at Olds and Kings/Rhodes. She worked until her first daughter was born. 

Shirley married Frank Samuel Yazalina on June 28, 1958 at St. Rose Catholic Church. They lived in Parkrose and attended St. Therese Catholic Church for 55 years. Shirley and Frank enjoyed traveling together. They explored South America, the Panama Canal, and visited Europe numerous times. 

The highlight of Shirley’s travels were trips with her family, including a Mediterranean cruise for their 50th Anniversary. One of her favorite memories was the connected balconies where the kids could run back and forth between the rooms. The family took numerous trips to Hawaii where she enjoyed watching her grandchildren swim in the pool, sitting on the lanai, and watching the sunset.

As a family, they would camp, travel, and play music together. Shirley loved having such a close family and always enjoyed celebrating every birthday and holiday together. Shirley also cherished her time with her grandchildren. She was supportive and ready to help when her girls and grandchildren needed her. Shirley had unconditional love and devotion to her family. She not only took care of her family, but she also took care of many others who needed assistance in their lives.

Shirley was a homemaker extraordinaire! She was a campfire leader and was involved in all her daughters’ activities including dance, gymnastics, and piano lessons to name a few.  Shirley enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling, and cooking delicious healthy meals for her family. Her yard was picture perfect! Her bushes and trees never grew an inch and every flower was photograph ready!

She loved her family with all her heart!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Shirley’s name to the ALS Association.

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