Linda Burchett

When reflecting on the life of Linda Burchett, it is easy to see that her focus was on the relationships she shared with those around her. She was strong, courageous, and independent with the ability to do whatever needed to be done no matter the personal sacrifice. There was no greater gift in Linda’s life than her family, and the holidays were such a special time of year. She was never one to worry about the little things, rather, she faced whatever came her way head on and always kept a positive spirit. Although life will never be the same without her here, Linda leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. Those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods like sugar, rubber, tin, and coffee while awaiting the latest news from the front lines. Amidst this pivotal time in our nation’s history was a time of great anticipation in the lives of William and Julia (Bishop) Blair as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby as cooler weather settled in on the city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Their wait was finally over when the baby girl they named Linda L. drew her first breath on November 26th. She was one of five children to be raised in the family homes in both Kalamazoo and Richland as she was joined in her family by her sisters, Judy and Cindy, and her brothers, Bill and Bernerd. Linda’s birthday was a unique one because certain years it actually falls on Thanksgiving. To support their family, her father worked at Clarage Fan Company while her mother worked at Gibson Guitar.

In many ways Linda experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. She was also a bustle of activity even at a young age. As a teen, Linda lived on Gull Lake, and as a young woman of 15 or 16 she loved working as a nanny. As a high school student at Richland High School she was active in the glee club where she also served as the president of the glee club for a time. Linda was outgoing and friendly, served on several committees, and was also on the homecoming court her senior year. She also played several sports. Linda went on to graduate from high school in 1961.

As a young woman, Linda was eager for all that life had in store. She had three children, Guy, Karen, and Jordan, and they were the light of her life. After moving to Vicksburg, Linda became a single independent woman who did whatever she needed to do in order to keep her children healthy and happy. She could be strong willed at times, but this served her well over the years. At times Linda worked two jobs to support the family as they were always her primary focus. Linda retired from Triple S Plastics in 2009.

Linda loved the holidays, but especially Halloween and Christmas. Thanksgiving was special, too, since at times she was also celebrating her birthday on that day. Linda loved cooking for her family, and she most often used her Betty Crocker cookbooks. In fact, her cookbooks were for more than just recipes as she also stashed sentimental notes that her children had written over the years in them. Linda also loved her cats, Cindy Lou and April. She even had her cats send birthday cards to her grandchildren.

A woman of many interests, Linda was one to keep busy. She had an extraordinary love for movies, and she loved her polaroid camera as well as home movies. Linda watched these movies often as they were filled with so many precious memories. An outdoor lover, she enjoyed gardening and kept a well maintained yard and home. Linda had a knack for being frugal, and she loved finding deals at garage sales. She loved being a grandmother, and her children and grandchildren were her priceless treasure. Linda was an active part of her grandchildren’s lives. They knew “Buddy” and “Lovey,” and they celebrated many birthdays and countless stays with grandma playing WWE or Barbies. She also loved making crafts and baking with her grandchildren.

All who knew Linda Burchett would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She had the best sense of humor and brought the world around her to life. Linda took her role as a mother to heart, but she just may argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Linda L. (Blair) Burchett, passed away peacefully October 6, 2017. Linda’s family includes her son, Guy Burchett; daughter, Karen Weinberg; son, Jordan (Faith) Burchett; brother, Bernerd (Bonnie) Blair; brother, Bill (Brenda) Blair; sister, Judy (Scott) Hill; and five grandchildren Brandon, Hannah, Brooklyn, Jordan, and Rolie. Also dear to her heart were her nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, William and Julia Blair; sister, Cindy Talbot. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2017, at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, (269-649-1697). Please visit Linda’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a memory.