Shirley Burlingame Kihl (a.k.a Nurse Shirley) age 87, passed away peacefully at Trustbridge Care Center in John Knox Village, Pompano Beach on February 10, 2020. She was born and raised in Waterbury, Connecticut to Theodore Belanger and Gertrude Margiotta. In 1953, Shirley graduated from the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing,
Shirley was a mother of five loving children and resided in Garden City, Michigan where she also coached a nationally ranked synchronized swimming team for many years. She enjoyed observing the success of her former swimmers as they competed in National and International Masters’ Synchronized Swimming competitions. Husband Henry Kihl, partner Joseph McCarthy, brothers Douglas, Rowland and Raymond Belanger, son Richard Burlingame Jr. and grandson Rodney Burlingame preceded Shirley in death. She is survived by brothers Donald, Robert and David Belanger; sons Robert and Douglas Burlingame; daughters Sharon Burlingame (Terrell Mitchell) and Donna Harvey (Charles); grandsons Christopher Harvey, Cameron and Brandon Burlingame; granddaughters Cassandra Mitchell, Nicolette Cornell (Kirk), Ashley Ballard and Dixie Mazur (Tony); great granddaughter Myalin Santana; extended family Lynn Ballard, Daion Christenson, and several nieces and nephews.
Shirley was a long time resident of Fort Lauderdale and a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan. She was active in the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary Post 1966. Shirley loved poker, bingo, shelling at the beach on Sanibel Island known as “Sanibel stoop” and football. This year she was especially excited to see former Miami Dolphin Quarterback, Ryan Tannehill help the Tennessee Titans complete a successful season. Shirley had an exceptionally green thumb, raising a stunning variety of flowers in her small garden. Prior to her retirement, she was a hard-working Home Health Nurse.
The family is planning private remembrance gatherings in Fort Lauderdale and Michigan with burial at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth.
Final arrangements are being handled by Boyd Panciera Family Funeral Care, 6400 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33024 (www.bpfamilycare.com).
Tammie Belanger (Hillsdale, MI)
February 12, 2020, 12:00 am
The loss of both parents is heart wrenching. I am glad that each of you were able to spend so much time with her towards her sunset. Hugs to the entire family
Laurie Nixon (Michigan)
February 12, 2020, 12:00 am
Have been thinking of all of you this past week. Big Hugs.
Carol & Joe LaBranche & family (Cumming, Georgia)
February 13, 2020, 12:00 am
Our deepest sympathy.
Carol
February 13, 2020, 12:00 am
As a synchronize swimmer, I will remember Shirley as an innovative coach, tough and demanding. As an adult, I was attentive to Shirley's point of view and observations. She loved her family and was an important part of my life. I will miss her.
Karen Rosinski (Michigan)
February 14, 2020, 12:00 am
My sympathy to the Burlingame family. I was a Garden City synchro swimmer in the 70s and have many memories of swim practices and travelling by bus to out of state competitions. It was a great part of my childhood.
Karen Rosinski (Michigan)
February 14, 2020, 12:00 am
My sympathy to the Burlingame family. I was a Garden City synchro swimmer in the 70s and have many memories of swim practices and travelling by bus to out of state competitions. It was a great part of my childhood.
Nancy & John Derickson (Venice, Fl)
February 18, 2020, 12:00 am
Shirley was one of the greatest, accomplished and funniest ladies I knew. Rest in peace Nurse and I will always remember how you made us always smile.
Nancy and John Derickson Venice, Fl