Shirley Jean Burgess

Shirley Jean Burgess (née Ambrosia) died peacefully on August 11, 2020, in West Monroe, Louisiana, at the age of 81.

Shirley was born on May 14, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Angelo and Sylvia Ambrosia. She graduated with honors from East High School in 1957, where she excelled both academically and on the cheerleading squad. On a dare from a friend at a dance, she asked a shy guy to dance, and a romance with the love of her life began. She married Robert Lee Burgess on July 11, 1959 and was excited to have just recently celebrated their 61st anniversary. They moved from Ohio to Michigan, and finally settled in West Monroe, Louisiana in 1976.
Shirley had a loving heart that served her community well. She taught St. Paschal’s CCD second graders for many years, for which she was awarded the Diocesan Service Medal. She played an integral part in starting Meals on Wheels for the parish and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, and the St. Paschal’s Altar Society. A strong advocate for community growth, she generously shared her talents with the local Family & Community Education (FCE) club, serving in many capacities for over 10 years. She especially enjoyed the aspects of the FCE that sought and awarded scholarship recipients and designed award-winning booths at the Ark-La-Miss Fair. And she never missed an opportunity to enjoy time with her friends in the Red Hat Society and the local Line Dancers clubs.

Shirley was a devout Catholic and a devoted mother. From Girl Scout Cookie Mom, Boy Scout Den Mother, little league, marching band, pep squad and drama club, Shirley was always the number one supporter for her kids’ activities. Every birthday cake and Halloween costume was homemade with love and she never met a theme party that she couldn’t creatively conquer. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she took pride in each of their successes.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Robert L. Burgess; children, Robin Hatten (Tommy), Shandell Burgess, Bryan Burgess (Jamie), and Darren Burgess; grandchildren, Christopher Hatten (Kristen), Sara Circolone (Nick), Meredith Burgess, and Hannah Burgess; and great granddaughter, Lucy Hatten; sister, Nancy Casanta; and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters, Joanne Simpson and Carol Terlecki.

Visitation will be at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe on Friday, August 14, 2020, from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paschal’s Catholic Church in West Monroe, LA, on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. with Fr. Frank Coens officiating. Interment will follow in St. Paschal’s Catholic Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Bryan and Darren Burgess, Tommy and Christopher Hatten, Freddy Jones, Debbie Parkman, Tim Sigur, and Nancy Wells.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Paschal’s Catholic Church.