Ann C. Burdette

Ann C. Burdette

August 20, 1932 – May 15, 2022

Ann was born in Paris, Texas, to Maurice Cleaver and Helen Duncan Cleaver on August 20, 1932. She spent her childhood there until her family transferred to Manhasset, NY just in time for high school.  The culture shock was real, but of course Ann excelled academically and made lots of friends whom she kept in touch with all her life.  She attended college at Washington University in St. Louis where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and served as panhellenic president.  She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Comparative Literature, which means she read Les Miserables in French.  She married Charles M. Burdette in 1954 and they moved to Kansas City where their two sons were born.  Over the next eleven years, they would move to Omaha, Danville, California, Honolulu, Hawaii, and back to Omaha. Ann always said she was glad she got to see so much of the world and especially loved living near an ocean, but once they returned to Omaha, she called it home and stayed the rest of her life.  She loved her city: the Joslyn, the symphony, the zoo, the Lauritzen Gardens, the museums, the Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre, etc., but most of all she loved the dear, life-long friends she met here.

After her divorce, Ann returned to the work force as a real estate agent with CBS realty.  John Gottschalk hired her to be his Administrative Assistant in 1984 and she spent the rest of her career in that position.  Her work at the World Herald was satisfying in many ways. She felt challenged and appreciated and she cherished her colleagues there, especially John Gottschalk and his wife, Carmen, with whom she continued to work as a member of the John Gottschalk Foundation Board.

Ann traveled the world with her friends (mostly with Shirley Crites) though she was also willing to travel alone.  She went to Greece, Israel, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Alaska and probably a few other places we are forgetting.  She enjoyed several elder hostel trips and a fabulous retirement tour of Washington D.C.  Ann loved learning and never stopped being curious.  Her vacations were never spent sitting on the beach.  She remained a great student of everything.  At the time of her death, she was in a poetry writing class at Pacific Springs where she lived independently.  She relished beauty in all forms, loved games, and even beat two of her grandchildren in a Wordle while she was recently hospitalized. (The word was “foyer”).

Ann was an active member of Countryside Community Church for more than fifty years. She served in many roles through the years: Bethel Bible teacher, Stephen Minister, church clerk, historian, pastor search committee, and funeral volunteer.  She was deeply proud of the church when it moved to the Tri-Faith Campus and especially loved classes about Judaism and Islam.  More recently, she felt called to explore and confront racism as she gained new insights on that flaw in all our communities.  Her faith never stopped evolving and she lived it every day.

Most important to all those who love Ann was her kind, loyal and loving heart.  She traveled many miles to Kansas City and California through the years to attend her grandchildren’s activities and to really be present with each of them and know them well.  She shared every possible holiday and always took time to listen in a way that made each of us feel deeply valued and loved by her.  She showed up for celebrations, but she also showed up in the darkest of times.  Her quiet, loving presence brought those she loved and cared for peace and great comfort.  We are deeply saddened to lose her light in our lives and yet also deeply grateful to have had her influence.

Ann is survived by her sons, Duncan (Kathy) Burdette of Overland Park, KS, and Stuart (Shanlee) Burdette of Kona, HI; five grandchildren: Lauren, Dan, Eric, John, and Jack Burdette; her sister, Sara Green; former sister-in-law, Cheryl Burdette; and two nieces, Laura Green and Evin Wood.  She was preceded in death by her beloved dog, Abby, and we are comforted by the thought of their reunion.

A Celebration of Ann’s life will be held on Thursday, June 9th at 1:00 pm at Countryside Community Church, 13130 Faith Plaza, Omaha, NE 68144.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Countryside Community Church.

To view a live broadcast of the Celebration of Life, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.

 

9 Comments

  • Mary A. Hansen Posted May 18, 2022 8:52 am

    Everything that is said in this tribute is true. The world has lost a lovely person who gave her many gifts generously for as long as she could. She has earned her eternal reward.
    Mary Hansen

  • Louise Douglas Posted May 18, 2022 3:23 pm

    When I worked at the WH, I remember sitting with John Gottschalk at a meeting and there was a pause in the meeting, so I asked John what made him hire Ann. He quickly responded that he told her he had an accordion and asked Ann who she would call to repair it. Instead of saying a music store, she said she would contact local polka bands. Bingo! She got the job! Miss you so much, Ann.

  • Tom Herrington Posted May 19, 2022 12:03 am

    I knew Ann through Stu. “Mrs Burdette” was always kind and caring to us as Stu’s friends but you could feel her goodness was bigger than someone’s nice mom;). When I was on my college internship with Xerox I got the chance to train Ann on the brand new word processing system(the precursor to the pc) she was a whiz and loved learning all the features…I was blown away! Most of all I know Ann as the woman that shaped my best friend, knowing Stu’s class, faith and integrity was all I ever needed to know about Ann. The world isn’t as good without her in it. May you live in gods eternal light Ann.

  • Jan Brown Posted May 20, 2022 4:14 pm

    Ann was my dear friend from Countryside. Always attentive and curious, she was able to listen when I had questions, stories or sorrows. Although I was pastoral care coordinator, Ann pastored me. I’lI always think of her as my beloved church mom and will miss her so. Thank you, Ann, and may your peace resonate throughout the lives you’ve touched.

  • Patrick Casey Posted May 22, 2022 6:23 pm

    Stuart and Duncan, Thoughts and prayers of love and support to you and your families. I have many fond memories of your mom. She was such a very kind person and always made us boys in the neighborhood feel welcome. God bless, Pat

  • Katie Swan Posted May 23, 2022 2:02 pm

    Ann was a resident at Pacific Springs Village when I was a server there and oh how she was loved! Just the nicest person who took a genuine interest in all of the staff and made everyone feel so included. She will be missed. Thinking of your family as you navigate through this grief.

  • Lorraine Rexrost aka. Grandma Puppy Posted May 27, 2022 8:09 pm

    I knew Ann thru her beloved dog, Abby. I always enjoy seeing both of them. Ann was a special person. She will be miss. But she at home with Jesus and Abby. God has a new Angel to watch over us.

  • Beverly J Neal Posted June 8, 2022 2:38 pm

    Duncan’s and Stuart….so many wonderful memories of your lovely mom! Ann was one of the first neighbors I met when Walt and I, along with Tim, Nanci and Tom, moved in across the street! We had many activities together that I cherish. I was hoping to be with you tomorrow but I am unable to attend. Hugs to you both!
    Bev Neal

  • Mary Jo Havlicek Posted June 8, 2022 4:24 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are with Ann’s family and friends. She was a dear friend and co-worker. Thanks for the good memories.

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