Obituary of Shirley Burnham

Shirley Burnham,76, of Cortland, NY passed away on September 23, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY with her loving family by her side. Shirley was born July 17,1948 in Cortland, NY, the daughter of the late Maida J. and George Mowry. On May 30,1998 she married her true love, Douglas Burnham Sr. She graduated from TC3 in 1992 with a degree in Human Services and then found her calling working with and caring for individuals with head trauma for several years. Shirley loved spending time and playing games with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking, baking, playing BINGO and socializing. Shirley was a very giving person and always put the care and needs of others over her own. She was a friend to many and a selfless Mom/Nana to any person her children and grandchildren brought to her home. Mrs. Burnham is survived by her son, Terry Vestal Jr (Michelle Clark), her daughter, Shirron Knickerbocker (Steven O'Dell), her stepson Douglas (Renee) Burnham Jr, stepdaughter, Laurie (John) Miller, her grandchildren, Nick, Trenton (Tabetha), Tara, Ava, Kayla, Jenelle, Devon, Corey (Brandi), Cortnee and Calista. She is also survived by her 4 brothers, George (Lori) Mowry, Mike (Mitzi) Mowry, Rick Mowry, Louie Mowry (Barb King) and her sister in law, Charlotte (Jean) Ellsworth, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and all others who's life she touched. Mrs. Burnham was preceded in death by her loving husband, Douglas Burnham Sr and her mother Maida J. Mowry. A time of sharing for Shirley will be held on October 9, 2024 from 3:00-4:00pm at Wright-Beard Funeral Home located at 9 Lincoln Ave in Cortland, NY. There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 3:00pm-9:00pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles located at 155 Port Watson St. in Cortland, NY