Shirley Rita Burke, 97, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Shirley’s life began with challenges. As an infant, she was lovingly adopted by her devoted parents, Louis and Frances Mencke, who raised her with deep love and care and instilled in her the values that would guide her throughout her remarkable life.
After World War II, Shirley married the love of her life, Edward, her beloved husband of 60 years, and devoted herself to building a large and joyful family. She raised eight children with unwavering dedication, moving with her family from Ohio to Colorado before eventually making Florida her home.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Shirley lived her beliefs through generosity, compassion, and service to others. In her later years, she was employed as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Central Florida Blood Bank, now OneBlood. Especially remarkable was her lifelong commitment to blood donation. Even into her nineties, she continued to give whenever she was able, ultimately donating more than fifty gallons over her lifetime and leaving a legacy that touched innumerable lives.
Shirley’s devotion was also evident in her church community, where she faithfully brought Holy Communion to shut-ins and hospital patients. She crocheted more than fifty baby blankets for newborns, each one given with prayer and love. Thoughtful in every season of life, she delighted family and friends with handwritten cards sent for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions.
A talented cook and cake decorator, Shirley brought sweetness and comfort to countless gatherings. She was also a graceful dancer who enjoyed ballroom and round dancing throughout her married life. Cherished by all who knew her, Shirley radiated warmth, kindness, and unconditional love. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, and selfless service. She is lovingly remembered by her eight children—Tom, Frances, Terry, Gary, Greg, Mary, Jim, and Mark—along with eighteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her enduring legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love her.
Services will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026at Baldwin-Fairchild Goldenrod/Winter Park Funeral Home, at 7520 Aloma Ave. Winter Park, FL 32792 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Visitation and sharing of pictures or mementos at 6:30 p.m. Wake Service on Friday, May 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church,526 North Park Avenue,Winter Park, FL 32789, at 1:00 p.m. Burial at Highland Memory Gardens, at 3329 East Semoran Boulevard, Apopka, FL 32703
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to OneBlood at oneblood.org in Shirley’s memory, in honor of her extraordinary lifelong commitment to saving lives. You could even donate a pint of blood that would have made Shirley very happy!