Shirley M. Burns

1928 - 2013

Shirley M. Burns, of Avon, Connecticut and formerly of West Simsbury, Connecticut, wife of the late J. Robert Burns, died peacefully December 23, 2013. She was born January 27, 1928 in Hartford, daughter of the late Herbert V. and Agnes (McCawley) White and had lived in West Simsbury 36 years before moving to Avon in 2004. She graduated from St. Augustine's School in 1941 and Bulkeley High School in 1945, both in Hartford. She had been an Executive Secretary at Travelers Insurance Company for 30 years prior to retiring. She was active in Elm Tree Associates at Williston Academy in Easthampton, Massachusetts where her husband graduated in 1944. She was also a member of The Valencia Society at St. Francis Hospital and the St. Francis Women's Auxiliary, a member of the McLean Auxiliary in Simsbury, a member of the Friends of Mark Twain as well as a donor for acquisitions for The Mark Twain Museum, a member of the Travelers Retirees Club and a longtime member of Wampanoag Country Club, West Hartford. She is survived by her lifelong friend, Leila Conlon of Bristol and many caring friends. She was predeceased by her brother, Herbert V. White, Jr. in 1969 and her dear friend and companion, Andre L. Jenks in 2009. She was very proud of her Irish Heritage. There are no calling hours. A private graveside funeral service and burial will be in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004.For online condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.