Shelley Jayne (Wood) Burgett

Shelley Wood Burgett, age 71, died peacefully on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at Franciscan Health Indianapolis surrounded by her adoring family. Born in Gary to Connie and Morris Wood on Jan 24, 1947, she was raised in Crown Point, graduating high school there in 1965.

A enthusiastic traveler, Shelley visited all 48 of the continental United States, and was rapidly closing in on Alaska and Hawaii. A celebrated host, she organized joyful family Christmas gatherings, delightful New Year’s brunches, and spirited game nights. A movie buff, she watched each of the Oscar-nominated films every year and met annually with her sister to enjoy the ceremony. A pub trivia enthusiast, she was an integral member of Indianapolis-area frequent victors The B Team. A dedicated reader and aspiring crime novelist, she wrote humorous travelogues of her vacation adventures for her friends and family and she contributed professionally to academic library journals.

A graduate of Indiana University with a Masters in Library Science, Shelley diligently served as a librarian at IU, the University of Louisville and St. Louis University. She later acted as Library Director for Tennessee’s Lincoln Memorial University and Kentucky’s Sue Bennett and Somerset Community Colleges. The Kentucky Library Association named her 2009’s Outstanding Academic Librarian of the Year.

She is survived by loving husband John, with whom she enjoyed 45 wonderful years of marriage; sons James and Greg, to whom she was a giving and loving mother; siblings Judy and Merv, to whom she stayed closely bonded all her life; nieces Jennifer and Meredith, who she treated as though her own daughters; grandchildren Celeste and Oliver, who she adored and spoiled; great nephew Roland, her newest treasure; and brother-in-law Kim, sister-in-law Bonnie, the Kolar family, honorary member Bill, and many others. She was preceded by her sister-in-law Marcia and nephew Charlie.

A lively memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 30th from 1PM-4PM in the Big Woods Augusta Room at the Hillview Country Club. Remarks begin at 2:30PM. 1800 E King St Franklin IN 46131.

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