Shirley Jean Bliss-Burton, a woman who lived a life of 'significance' to her family, died peacefully surrounded by her daughters at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, on Wednesday, August 30, 2006. She was 63.

Shirley lived most of her life in Worcester before moving to Windsor to be near her daughters and grandchildren.

She was born in East Worcester, and grew up with three brothers and six sisters. Years later she would raise her five daughters.

Shirley was a long time member of the American Legion and Veteran's of Foreign War Auxiliaries, also the Worcester United Methodist Church.

Her love of cooking made her kitchen a favorite gathering spot for the family holidays. She enjoyed her grandchildren, dancing, cruises and bird watching.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lyle J. Bliss, Jr.; her parents, Ellsworth and Doris (Zeh) Sperbeck and a brother, Buddy Sperbeck.

Shirley is survived by her five daughters and a son-in-law, Minnie Keehle and Richard of Windsor, Connie Burton of Windsor, Pamela Bradley of Schenectady, Lisa Hale of Binghamton and Tammy Bliss of Binghamton; seven grandchildren, Rich Keehle, Jr. and wife, Susan of Corbettsville, Harry Hults IV of Portlandville, Joseph Ruffino, III of Oneonta, Christopher Brown of Schenevus, Brandon Bradley of Schenectady, Walter Sampson, Jr. of Binghamton and Nathaniel McCarthy of Mount Airy, NC; two granddaughters, Sabrina Hults of Windsor and Cassandra Brown of Schenevus; one great-grandson, Tyler Triolo of Windsor; two brothers, Duane (Kathy) Sperbeck of Anchorage, Alaska and Jody (Michelle) Sperbeck of Schenevus; six sisters, Roxanne (George) Stockdale of Worcester, Mary Alice (William) Shafer of East Worcester, Deborah (Jim) Utter of Oneonta, Terry (John) Davidson of Cobleskill, Cindy (Steve) Grover of Carbondale, PA and Star (Joe) Poliseno of Schenevus; her husband, Charles "Sonny" Burton, Jr. of Westford; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; two special friends, Catherine Carless of Windsor and Jack Gresham of Great Bend, PA.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, September 1, 2006 at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 2, 2006 at the funeral chapel, with the Rev. Jane Pykus, pastor of the Worcester United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will take place in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Worcester, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church, PO Box 310, Worcester, NY 12197.

On line condolences to the family may be made at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com

The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, 155 Main St. in Worcester, is serving the family.