Shirley Kay Burgess

Shirley Kay Burgess, 72, of Corning was a loving mother and grandmother.  She passed away Friday, March 24, 2023, at Corning Hospital.

She was the daughter of the late Waldo R. and Evalena (Losey) Preston. Shirley was born September 21, 1950, in Corning, NY.

Shirley was a proud graduate of Corning West High school, graduating in the Class of 1968.  She married Terence Burgess on September 25th, 1969.  

A longtime resident of South Corning, she worked at Rea & Derrick Drugs, Pudgie's Pizza and the Corning Glass Works before moving south and landing a position with RJ Griffin and Company in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina building condos. 

Shirley enjoyed athletics and was the head softball coach for the Knights of Columbus team for the Corning Cinderella Softball League.  She was a licensed EMT, serving with the Tuscarora Volunteer Ambulance corps and the rescue squad at Woodhull Raceway. She was an avid race fan and enjoyed watching her son and granddaughters race at Woodhull.  Shirley was a lover of all animals, especially dogs.  In her later years, she enjoyed spending Sundays eating popcorn and watching NASCAR at the Garage Mahal with her "old fart" gang, Charly, Elly and Butch.

She is survived by her son Todd (Sheila) Burgess of Corning; granddaughters Jessica (Wayne) Robertson, Amber Pierce & Allison Pierce (Zach Cooper); sisters Judy Jones, Mary (Brian) Morse and Linda (Dale) Phelps, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was most excited to become a great grandmother this coming September. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Terry and her older brother, William Preston.

A private celebration of Shirley's life will be held at the convenience of the family. 

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