Shirley Ann Burdick, Janesville  (1936 - 2009)

January 17, 1936 - December 6, 2009
Shirley Ann Burdick, 73, of Janesville, lost her brief but valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2009, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, WI. She left this earth peacefully surrounded by family, who held her hand and comforted her as she began her journey through the golden gates of heaven. Shirley was born on Jan. 17, 1936, the daughter of Mark and Hazel (Austin) Campbell. It was misfortunate that Shirley lost her natural mother early in life, but that pain was lessened through the unconditional love of her adoptive mother, Nora Campbell. Shirley spent her entire life in the Janesville area, and was blessed with three children. Through their early childhood Shirley was a devoted mother and homemaker. Later in life she ventured into the working world, holding several secretarial positions, primarily at Norwood Mills of Janesville, and then retired in 1998. In retirement Shirley resided with her daughter Rebecca. During that time she had more freedom to pursue her lifelong passion for reading, and was a huge cornerstone in the upbringing of her grandson Matthew. Shirley was perhaps best known for doing things on her own terms. She loved life and lived by example. She was inspired by God, and her faith had no boundaries. She gave to others all that was within her means, but her greatest gift was the time and effort she spent enriching the lives of children who attended the “Sunday School” programs at the First Baptist Church of Janesville, of which she was a lifetime member. Shirley also treasured time spent with family and friends. She will continue to provide love and support to those who knew her; all we have to do is ask in prayer.
Shirley is survived by her three children: Ron (Becky) Burdick of Janesville, Gary (Mary) Burdick of Pardeeville, WI, and Rebecca Burdick of Janesville; grandchildren: James, Kelli, Crystal, Scott, Mark and Matthew; great-grandchildren: SummerAnn, Dalton, Eric, Gage, Skyler and Jostolen (who died in infancy); brother, Mark “Butch” (Jeanette) Campbell; sister, Mary (Fred) Wilke; nieces and nephews: Lisa, Kathy, Todd, Amy, Sara, Julie and Andrew; former husband, Orville Burdick; and those from his family who remained close and supportive to Shirley over the past years and these recent difficult days. Waiting to greet Shirley in heaven will be her beloved parents, dear family, and special friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 3414 Woodhall Dr., Janesville with Pastor Jerry Amstutz presiding. Friends may call on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the CHURCH. Assisting with arrangements is the SCHNEIDER APFEL SCHNEIDER & SCHNEIDER FUNERAL HOME. For online condolences and registry: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com. The family would like to extend special thanks to the entire staff at the UW Hospital Madison, especially the surgical and medical units of oncology and palliative care.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you and whispered, "Come to Me".
With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.