Shirley M Eaton passed peacefully in her home on Monday. She was born October 23, 1933 in South Bend, Indiana to Leonard and Audrey Burke. She graduated from John Adams High School in 1951. One lucky day on a crowded city bus, Shirley met her future husband and love of her life, Charles J “Chuck” Eaton, with whom she spent over 69 years as man and wife.

Shirley spent much of her life as a busy homemaker, raising three energetic boys. After Chuck retired, they spent 26 winters in Auburndale, Florida. Every year, they returned to Mishawaka in the spring and stayed through the Notre Dame football season, then came home again for a snowy Christmas with their family.

Shirley will always be remembered as a generous, loving person with a smile for everyone she met. Her living room was often filled with friends and family, and the delicious treats she made. Shirley’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she has a lasting influence on them.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Chuck, and their sons, Michael Eaton, Donald Eaton, and Daniel Eaton. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Robin Eaton, Charles Jr. (Amanda) Eaton, Jessica (Joshua Williams) Eaton, Daniel (Breanna) Eaton, Brittany Eaton and Hanna Eaton. She was further blessed with four great-grandchildren, Jarod Stewart, Jorja Bell, Olivia Eaton, and Bentley Albaugh. She is also survived by her sister Jaynee (Jim) Halterman, and her brothers Larry (Sue) Burke and Neil Burke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Norm Burke, and her infant son, Steven.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Palmer Funeral Homes – River Park Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.