Shirley R. Burns

Shirley R. (Brown) Burns, 98, of Sanatoga Ridge Community, Sanatoga, PA, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late Harry S. Burns, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2011. Born in Reading, PA, on March 5, 1927, Shirley was the daughter of the late Robert and Marion (Strasser) Brown. Over the years, Shirley worked at Bachman Pretzels in Reading, PA, and later as a clerk at CVS for 20 years. She had a love for life's simple pleasures-playing bingo, creating beautiful counted cross-stitch pieces, watching the Eagles and traveling with her daughter to memorable destinations including China, Hawaii, and Bermuda. Shirley's greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Robert (Sharon) Burns and Barbara Novitski; her grandchildren, Robert (Patricia) Burns, Kathryn (Bruce) Hillegass, Michael (Christina) Novitski, and Kelly Novitski; and her great-grandchildren, Abigail, Jessica, Jacob, Natalie, McKenzie, Jordyn, and Landon. In addition to her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her siblings, Gerald Brown, Jean Boughter, Doris Brown, Elizabeth Brown, and Ronald Brown. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Houck & Gofus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 955 N. Charlotte St., Pottstown, PA 19464, is entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.houckgofusfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley's honor to Cat Angel Network or to a charity of your choice.