Shirley Ann Burt

Shirley Burt, a devoted medical professional, gifted artist, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025, at the age of 79.

Born to Frank and Anna Marie (Goll) Spinker at St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, Illinois, Shirley’s life was marked by compassion and creativity. She graduated from Dundee Community High School and went on to study at Elkhart University of Medical and Dental Technique, becoming a certified Medical Laboratory Technician.

After beginning her career in the Chicago area, Shirley found her professional home in the Toledo area, where she became a cherished member of the St. Charles Laboratory family for 43 years. Her dedication and leadership were evident in her supervisory roles and her active participation in laboratory and hospital-wide safety committees.

Shirley’s talents extended far beyond the lab. A lifelong lover of music, she played organ for two churches each Sunday as a teenager and mastered the accordion, 5-string banjo, and guitar. Her artistic spirit flourished later in life through watercolor painting—studying under Walter Chapman at the Toledo Museum of Art—and wood carving, especially of wild birds, a passion inspired by her brother Monte. Her artwork has been purchased by Mercy St. Charles Hospital, friends, and admirers. Many paintings were gifted by her due to her generous soul.

Though Shirley had no children of her own, she embraced the role of honorary family member to the children of her St. Charles colleagues, attending their games, recitals, and school plays with joy and pride. Her adventurous spirit led her and her dear friend of over fifty years, Mary Lynn Nafziger, on countless journeys across the country—from California to the Northeast, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Texas—always in search of beauty and inspiration.

Shirley is survived by Mary Lynn Nafziger; her brother Richard (Anita) Spinker; and sister-in-law Linda Spinker. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Frank, Monte, and Michael.

A private memorial will be held to celebrate Shirley’s life. Condolences may be shared with Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley’s name may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.