Seattle Community Celebrates Life of Wildrose Bar Co-Owner Shelley Brothers
By Takiyah “TDUB” Ward
On Sunday, February 16, at the Wildrose Bar in Seattle, friends, family, and community members gathered for a bittersweet celebration of Shelley Brothers’ life and legacy. The bar and outdoor spaces overflowed with love—laughter and tears blending as guests embraced, shared stories, and honored Shelley’s memory.
As co-owner of the Wildrose, Shelley was a familiar and welcoming presence, always greeting passersby—both people and their pups—with warmth. Bouquets of flowers adorned the bar, and portraits of Shelley were placed throughout the space, offering quiet moments of reflection.
Throughout the day, those closest to Shelley and the Wildrose took the stage to share heartfelt stories and condolences. Each word was met with nods, applause, and the comfort of a community grieving together. It was a powerful tribute, a testament to the space Shelley cultivated—a place of connection, joy, and unwavering support.
Shelley’s spirit was everywhere, in every hug, every laugh, and every tear. The community she built stands as her legacy, a beautiful reminder of the love she poured into Wildrose and the lives she touched.
I was honored when Shelly asked me to paint the mural at the Wildrose in early 2022. It was a way to give back to the community and try to make the space more welcoming after the pandemic shutdowns. A lot of businesses were struggling to come back, and the Wildrose was no exception. Shelly wanted to make sure that when it was safe to gather again, the Wildrose would be a place where people felt comfortable and at home.
It was a big project. We painted all the walls, not just the mural, and got new seating and tables. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. Seeing the community come together and enjoy the space made it all worthwhile.
Please see the video from my experience below.
