Shirley Louise (Tomsic) Burnett

Shirley L. Burnett, 89, of Geneseo, passed away surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at her home, in Geneseo. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at First Methodist Church in Geneseo, IL on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:30 AM. Pastor Chris Ritter will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service at the church from 9:30AM - 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Rutabaga Arts, located at 108 N State St, Geneseo, IL 61254, in honor of Shirley.

Shirley was born on August 8, 1935, in Kewanee, the daughter of Martin and Myrtle (Cole) Tomsic. She graduated from Kewanee High School, class of 1953 and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Bradley University, Peoria, IL in 1957. On June 14, 1958, she married Duane Burnett at a service in Kewanee.  Shirley was a member of the First Methodist Church, Rutabaga Art, Junior Women’s Club, and an original member of the Geneseo Art League for over fifty years. She enjoyed painting with oils, pastels, and watercolors. She especially loved painting landscape scenes.

Those left to cherish her memory include children, Laurie (Michael) Cahoon of Salado, TX,  Rebecca (Timothy) Schmoll of Cambridge, IL, Catherine Burnett of Geneseo, IL, brother; John (Patricia) Tomsic of Kewanee, IL; sister in law, Betty Tomsic of Wethersfield, IL; grandchildren, Jarret (Ashton) Schmoll, Lacey Billiet, Haley (Kyle) Conway, and Nathan Cahoon; and great-grandchildren, Liam Schmoll, Evelyn Schmoll, Teigan Billiet, Emery Conway, and Saige Conway.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Myrtle Tomsic; husband, Duane; brother Donald “Sonny” Tomsic; and grandson, Jacob Cahoon.