Wendy Burgess Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Wendy Lynne Burgess’s passing on February 13, 2022 after courageously fighting cancer for the last 4 ½ years. Born the eldest of three daughters to Dirk and El Marie Burgersdijk (Burgess) in March 1957, Wendy joined the world in London, Ontario’s military barracks to become the unique Wendy we all loved. After also living in Woodstock, St. Catharines, Kitchener, St. Albert, Edmonton, and Mississauga, Wendy settled in Hamilton’s Niagara escarpment with her husband Alan Shrubb. They raised their son Dirk to appreciate the outdoors, community, family, and feline companionship. They also raised a number of kitties and grew to love the personality of the gato negro, with Miss Coco remaining to comfort Dirk. Wendy’s talents as quilter, seamstress, knitter/crocheter, and overall crafter resulted in friends’ homes being adorned with quilts, faces across Canada covered with masks, and Burgess–Shrubb walls sporting Ancaster-fair ribbons.

Wendy’s career focused on aquatics, having been introduced to competitive swimming in her teenage years and progressing into lifeguarding, teaching, and judging synchro as her career blossomed. After receiving a bachelor of arts, with a focus on anthropology paralleling her love of community, Wendy finished her working days in recreation. Illness necessitated her  remaining days' focus on family, friends, and bucket-list adventures. Her adventures in papal Italy, vibrant New Orleans, historic Washington, cenote-filled Yucatan, chilly Alberta, and chill BC helped her stay positive following the loss of Alan after 33 years of marriage. Wendy remained positive during the most difficult times and modeled how to respond mindfully. She faced each day with grace, determination, humour . . . and a healthy spritz of Chanel No. 5. Her fight against cancer was enabled by the incredible support of family, friends, and medical team.

Young Dirk (girlfriend Brianna Beauchamp) survives his mother with both parents forever in his heart. Also surviving Wendy are her sisters Deborah Lafleur (husband Raymond) and Caroline Nixon (husband Douglas), as well as her many friends in the west and east. Wendy loved her nephews and nieces, with Jessica Eykelbosh, Christopher Nixon (wife Jenise Finlay), Daniel Nixon, and great grandniece, Laila Nixon, having a special place in her heart.

Special thanks go to the kind and competent care provided by Dr. Tahir, Dr. Leber, Dr. Kezamis, Dr. Lepic, first responders, and all the incredible staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. Special gratitude is extended to Robey and John Fletcher, Debra Munn, and Debbie and Dave Stonehouse for their kindness, care, and friendship to Wendy.

Following completion of Dirk’s Ironworker trade schooling—an accomplishment that would have made his parents so proud—Wendy’s celebration of life will be held at Hamilton's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 163. With a nod to Wendy’s aquatic roots, donations may be made to the Lifesaving Society at https://www.lifesaving.ca/don…

Wibble, we love you!

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