Nancy Shelley Burbidge

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Burbidge, Nancy Shelley age 81, of Edina, passed away peacefully on July 3 from Alzheimer's disease. Nancy was born May 12, 1934. She grew up in Minto, North Dakota, with her parents Edward J. Shelley and Isabel Rose Shelley and her beloved grandfather, Peter Rose. Nancy earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of North Dakota, and had a distinguished career in the Pediatrics Department of the University of Minnesota Hospital, taking care of sick children, many with leukemia. Her work led her to be an early member of the Children's Cancer Research Fund organization. She later worked at the University of Minnesota Eye Clinic. Wherever she lived, she was the neighborhood "go-to" nurse--neighbors would bring their sick or injured kids to her, and she would tell them whether to go to the ER or if a butterfly bandage would suffice. After retiring in 1994, she continued work as a volunteer nurse in Guatemala and Honduras, helping operate on children with cleft lips, or dispensing worm medicine and reading glasses. Nancy's primary interest was always her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband Jack; four children: Steve (Ann), Susie, John (Claire) and David (Jan), and ten wonderful grandchildren. She is survived by her brother Don (Laura) of Elk River, MN, and several cousins, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents and her older sister Marilee. Her other interests were many and varied, and never half-hearted. She was recognized for her skill and exuberance as a swing dancer. On a whim, she and Jack tried out for a national TV dance show in New York City, and made it to the final round. She loved live theater, film and other arts. She served on the original board of the Ivey Awards; on the boards of the Theatre Exchange, the Minnesota Museum of American Art, and Common Hope (helping children and families in Guatemala). She volunteered for the League of Catholic Women, including its First Impressions activities and book club. A world-class cook, she was famous for her dinner parties with wild duck, flaming spinach salad and gourmet desserts. She also won several blue ribbons for pickles at the MN State Fair. Nancy loved to travel and experience new places. She and Jack visited 49 countries, and drove all around the U.S. and Mexico. They spent fifteen winters in Puerto Vallarta and San Miguel Allende, Mexico. Mass of Christian Burial at 5 PM on Monday, July 20, 2015, at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Mpls., with a visitation one hour prior to the service. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Ridgeview of Waconia, the N.C.Little Hospice, and The Waters of Edina, Nancy's last residence. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Childrens Cancer Research Fund, 7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 460, Minneapolis, MN 55439, or donor's choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on July 12, 2015