Shirley (Zimmerman) Burgess

Shirley Burgess left this earthly realm on April 23, 2023 after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 77 years old.

It would be wrong to say that Shirley lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. No matter how sick she was, she was always determined. When anyone else would have broken, Shirley stayed strong. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. There was no quit in Shirley. Just because she is no longer here, it doesn’t mean she lost her fight. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, John H. Burgess, and her parents Loomis and Sophie Zimmerman.

She grew up in city of Wilmington and was a 1963 graduate of H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School.

Shirley was a wonderful mother and friend who was always there when we needed her.  She enjoyed painting and interior decorating in her spare time.  Shirley would always offer her words of wisdom and a helping hand to all those in need.

Shirley will be sadly missed by her entire family; her children Marlo C. Kropiewnicki and her husband David of Townsend, John C. Burgess of Newark, Dina M. Steanson of Bear and Alaina G. Cazier and her husband Giz of Smyrna.

Shirley was the proud MomMom to Morgan Kropiewnicki and Curtis Cazier.  Shirley also leaves behind to cherish her memory her nephew Ralph E. Voll, who she raised as one of her own. Her beloved siblings and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to numerous dear friends she has made over the years.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Shirley’s Life on Monday, May 1, 2023 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Beeson Funeral Home, 2053 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702.

In lieu of flowers, Shirley’s family asks that a donation be made in her name to the Cathedral of St Peter at 500 N West Street Wilmington, DE 19801 or online at Donate - St. Peter (cathedralofstpeter.com)

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