Shirley Mae Burns

Shirley Mae (Smeets) Burns

Shirley Mae (Smeets) Burns, 90, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026. She was born in Joliet on October 12, 1935, to Sarah and Robert Smeets and proudly called Joliet home throughout her entire life.

Shirley was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker. Family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with the people she loved. She especially enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she had the chance. Her love, warmth, and dedication to her family created countless memories that will be treasured for generations to come.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Burns; her parents, Sarah and Robert Smeets; her granddaughter, Shannon Housman; and numerous brothers and sisters.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts, including her children: Gary (Janet) Burns, Joyce (Steve) Crowe, Debi (Doug) Wason, Lori (Curt) Strait, and Cindy (Casimiro) Mata.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Gary Burns Jr., Tammy (Donny) Evans, Angela Hernandez, Ashlee Housman, Mandy Bowers, Christi (Doug) Dilday, Traci Alvarado, Sheena Chadd, Vincente Mata, and Marissa Mata; her great-grandchildren: Garett Evans, Carlos Casillas, Angelo Casillas, Vanessa Casillas, Jasmine Lopez, Genaro Lopez, Jionni Burns, Jaxson Sugg, Jacob Sugg, Isaiah Coleman, Destiny Coleman, Malachi Coleman, Tyler Bradford, Justin Bradford, Alicia Stovall, Shun Stovall, Kailyn Stovall, Haydn Voss, Jesa Holzhauer, Jade Holzhauer, Gianna Mata, and Luka Mata; along with numerous great-great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s greatest joy was her family. She gave her love freely, welcomed generations of children into her home, and treasured the time she spent surrounded by those she loved. Though she will be deeply missed, her love and the memories she created with her family will live on through the generations to come.

Forever loved, forever missed, and forever remembered.