Wanda Susan (Shelton) Burman

Crainville - Wanda Susan (Sue Shelton) Burman, began her journey in this life on August 15, 1948. Sue was born to Irma and Orville Shelton in Elgin, Illinois, where she was raised with her brothers Lowell, Allan, and John.  While being the only girl could be challenging, anyone who had any ill intentions toward Sue had to go through 3 brothers. Sue graduated from Larkin High School in 1966 then completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Judson College in 1972, with an education degree from North Park College. She dedicated her career to serving children as an educator, daycare provider, and nanny.

In January of 1967, Sue met Wally Burman at a sock hop at Larkin High School. He asked her to dance and it was the start of their life-long love affair. They married on October 2, 1970 at Grace United Methodist Church. In 1974, they became parents of their first daughter, Dawn. In 1977, they were blessed with their second daughter, Jennifer. In March of 1979, they moved to Tolono, Illinois where they raised their daughters. Sue was active in her daughters’ lives including being their Girl Scout leader, Dawn’s softball team scorekeeper, and the biggest fan in the auditorium at Jennifer’s plays. Friends of the girls remember how Sue always welcomed them into her home with open arms. She was a member of Tolono United Methodist Church for several years where she enjoyed singing in the choir, playing in the chime choir, and teaching Sunday school. After residing 29 years in central Illinois, Sue and Wally moved south to Crainville, Illinois where they were embraced by the communities of Marion VFW Post 1301 and Energy United Methodist Church. In 2012, they became grandparents at the birth of Alexander Wallace Holmes. Anytime Sue spoke of Alex, there’s no doubt that her friends and family could see the extra twinkle this little guy put in her eye.

Sue had a beautiful soul. Family fondly remember her silly sense of humor, delicious Italian beef, thoughtful cross-stitched gifts, and warm hugs. Friends at her favorite local haunts will remember her bright smile and dirty martinis. She was not boastful or arrogant about herself but took every opportunity to tell proud tales about her daughters and grandson. Alex’s favorite memory with his grandma was a recent visit to a nature center. Sue was an avid gardener and passed that love on to both her daughters. She had a passion for all things outdoors including nurturing flowers that have been in the family for generations, watching hummingbirds feed in her yard, counting hawks in the sky on road trips, camping at the family farm in Wisconsin, visiting national parks, and donating to charities that benefit wildlife. To avoid hurting anyone, she did her best to bite her tongue to hide any unkind words-most of the time she succeeded. Wally and Sue often assured their children that the secret to a 51-year relationship is unconditional love and mutual tolerance.

On February 23, 2018, Sue passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by the love of her family. Wally will carry on Sue’s practice of generosity and random acts of kindness. Her dedication to becoming the best wife, mother, and teacher she could will live on in her daughter, Dawn. Jennifer will honor her memory by continuing to spread kindness to others, including wishing even complete strangers to “have a good day - especially after you get off work.” Her love of good times and laughter will continue to make people smile through Alex. Sue’s son-in-law, Doug, will remember her for remarkable love for her children and grandson and how readily she extended that love to him.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; two of her brothers, Douglas and Lowell; two sisters-in-law, Debbie and Judy; and her beautiful niece, Lisa. She is survived by her brothers, Allan and John. She is also loved and missed by her siblings through marriage, Stan, Diane, and Larry. She’ll be remembered as a loving aunt to Debbie, Dale, Mike, Mark, Steve, Chris, and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 16, 2018, at Energy United Methodist Church. A celebration of her life will follow at Marion VFW Post 1301.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to the charity of your choosing supporting education, wildlife, breast cancer research, or cancer survivor support.

Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation services.

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