Charlotte (Shirley) Cordick (née Burke) passed away peacefully in Ottawa on Saturday, October 31, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 86 years old.
Born in River Bourgeois, Nova Scotia, Shirley graduated from Nova Scotia Teachers College in 1959 and began her teaching career in her home province. In 1963, she married Richard (Dick) Cordick. As a military wife, she embraced a life of many moves and many responsibilities, all with warmth, strength and grace. Shirley and her beloved Dick shared a love of life and travel, living in Nova Scotia and British Columbia before settling in Ontario, where they made their final home together. Yet through all her travels, her heart never left Cape Breton.
Food was Shirley’s love language. She could cook anything, and she loved preparing elaborate meals for family and friends, always with joy. She created beautiful embroidery that many family members still cherish. And wherever she lived, Shirley made friends, for she had a rare gift for connecting with people.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Dick, in 2021; her parents, Charles and Angela (née Robertson) Burke; and her sister, Kathleen Pothier.
She is lovingly remembered by her children, Lisa of Stittsville and Paul (Sheri) of Vancouver; and her siblings, Allan (Jeanne) Burke of Dartmouth, NS; David Burke of St. Peter’s, NS; John (Jackie) of Oakville; Judy of Ottawa; Lloyd (Cynthia) of St. Peter’s, NS; and Doreen (Brian) of River Bourgeois, NS.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Wellings Place, Stittsville, Ontario, followed by a private family burial on Monday morning. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers who helped keep Shirley home as long as possible. The family would also like to express heartfelt thanks to Shirley’s dear friend Leona for her love and support.
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