Obituary of Florence T. Burgie

Smethport-Florence T. Burgie, 96, of Waterport, NY, formerly of Smethport, PA, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 5, 2012, following a brief illness. Florence was born on June 11, 1915, in Coryville, PA, to the late Zetto and Nettie (Rees) Tyler. She was a devoted wife and mother as well as a good friend to many. Florence was a stay-at-home Mom and later worked as a dietary manager at Stone's Manor Health Care Facility in Smethport. Florence was a dedicated, faithful Christian with a strong prayer life. Her consistent walk with the Lord impacted many. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, cooking and being with family and friends. In recent years, her loss of sight and mobility limited her independence but never weakened her faith. She was pre-deceased by her husband, John H. Burgie, in 1973. She also was pre-deceased by Esther Tanner (step-sister), Wilfred and Blanche Burgie (parents-in-law), Regena (Clark) Love (sister-in-law), Wilfred C. Burgie (brother-in-law), and Gary Love (nephew), as well as many friends. Florence is survived by her two daughters, Sandra L. Burgie of Philadelphia, Pa., and Bonnie B. (Rev. Lawrence A. ) Malakie of Waterport, with whom she had lived since 1997. She also is survived by Jeanne Burgie (sister-in-law), nephews Jeffrey (Linda) Love and Darryl (Patricia) Love, and nieces Dawn (Steven) Wilkinson and Carol Love. Also surviving are numerous great nephews and great nieces and their children as well as special friend/caregiver, Jeanne Mekelburg. Many years ago, Florence decided to donate her body to the University at Buffalo Medical School for research purposes. There was no prior visitation. A celebration of her life was held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at Carlton United Methodist Church, corner of Archbald Road and Roosevelt Highway (Route 18), Waterport, where Florence had been a beloved member in recent years. The service, conducted by Pastors Todd Phillips and Larry Malakie, was followed by a reception held in the fellowship hall. There will be a brief graveside service conducted at Rose Hill Cemetery in Smethport by Rev. Malakie at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2012. Family and friends are invited to participate. Interment will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carlton United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Local arrangements are under the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport, PA.