Shirley J. Burns

Shirley J. Burns

November 6, 1931 – May 25, 2023

VISITATION begins on Tuesday, June 13^th at 9:15am at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 8200 N. 30^th St., followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10am.  GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Tuesday, 1pm at Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials will be directed by the family.

_____________________________________________________

Shirley was born to David and Claire Thompson in Salt Lake City on November 6, 1931.  She was the youngest of four children, including her two sisters, Eventa and Lucille, and her brother, David.  She was a happy and beautiful child, even gaining some notoriety for winning a Shirley Temple look-alike contest when she was four years old.

As she got older, Shirley developed a deep love of music. Whether she was singing, dancing, or playing the piano, her passion and love for a good melody were prevalent to everyone who knew her.

When she became an adult, she took her first job with Union Pacific when she was 18.  Little did she know that soon after she would meet her future husband and father of her children.  During a 4^th of July celebration at Peony Park, she met Thomas Burns and both knew it was love at first sight.  They were married the following year on February 23^rd.

Shirley always loved children and she and Thomas went on to have six of their own: one boy, Danny, and five daughters, Renie, Diana, Becky, Marianne, and Judy.  Shirley and Tom were married for 62 years and were blessed with a large family that included many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always remember her as Grandma Honey.

During their many years together, Shirley was fortunate to travel, truly enjoy life, and share her cheer and generosity with everyone who knew her.  She was quick to laugh, loved to joke around, and was always the life of the party.

Those who knew her best know how deeply she was rooted in her Catholic faith and how devout she was.  After raising her family in St. Thomas More parish, she became an active member of the St. Philip Neri family.  She attended many Bible studies, several hours of Adoration, and was even a regular piece of the weekly ensemble at Masses.

Shirley had a zest for life that was contagious.  She led a full life and spent her final years surrounded by those who loved her most.  She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all.