WATCH ABOVE: Global’s Nancy Hixt sat down with the family members of murder victim Shannon Madill Burgess, who are now planning a memorial to honour her life.
CALGARY – A Sunday memorial planned for a Calgary woman found dead earlier this year will be a celebration of life for a young woman known to live life to the fullest.
Shannon Madill Burgess went missing in November. For seven agonizing months, her family held out hope she’d return.
When the 25-year-old was found dead, and her husband Joshua Burgess charged with murder, her family was devastated.
“It was like a punch in the gut,” said Erin. “I thought I had rationalized she wasn’t coming home, but it wasn’t until they actually said they’d found her that I couldn’t believe anymore that I was never going to see her again.”
Father David Madill said it was the hardest thing he’s ever had to deal with.
“I remember my mother telling me years ago, no child should ever have to outlive their child at the time…But it didn’t really ring home until this.”
The family said the memorial will be her “farewell tour” and will feature some of her favorite things: skits, karaoke, and even a marching band. The young woman was an artist: an actress, musician, and photographer.
“Very animated…like from day one she loved to joke around and dance,” Erin Madill said of her sister.
Her mother, Lisa Madill, describes her as someone who loved to joke around and dance.
“A spotlight and a microphone were her best friends, and that was from the time she was a tiny little thing,” said Lisa.
“She was a ham, even very early in her life,” said David.
Her family said music was a calming influence on Madill Burgess.
“We switch around instruments a lot. French horn was the first and strongest love…but she actually had 15 instruments in her house. Everything from a French horn to the glockenspiel,” says Erin Madill.
Her family said in 25 years, Madill Burgess lived a fuller life than most people ever do, but it doesn’t make it any easier for her family to accept she’s gone.
“I will continue to do my best to be thankful for the 25 years we did have,” said David. “I still feel selfish. I guess I wanted more.”
The celebration of life will be held Sunday Aug. 23 at 2:30 p.m. at the Westin Hotel downtown Calgary.
With files from Erika Tucker
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