Mary Burdge

Family and Friends,

It is with heavy hearts that we write to share the passing of our beloved Mary Ann Gunn Burdge, age 84. Surviving is her husband of 62 years, Lanny G. Burdge, including her sons David Brett Burdge and Russell Galen Burdge and daughter-in-law, Tami Dawn Burdge. Her middle son, Jeffrey Burdge preceded her in death. Her six grandchildren include Carol Ann Burdge, Marielena Burdge, Brynn Burdge, Kyla Burdge, Lucy Burdge and Nathan Burdge. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Larry Burdge, sister-in-law, Anita Burdge and nieces and nephews Billy, Mary, Laura, Brad and Kim. Also, her friend of 78 years, Ann Hagiwara.

Mary Ann's journey began in Jersey City, New Jersey, where she was born to Ethel Eileen Gunn and David Lawrence Gunn on January 15, 1940. From her earliest days, she held a deep connection to her Scottish heritage, tracing her lineage back to the Clan Gunn on her father’s side, one of the oldest of the highland clans.

Before settling in Virginia, Mary Ann spent her formative years in Verona, New Jersey, until moving to Richmond, Virginia when she was 14. She attended Mary Washington College, meeting her future husband there. Upon her graduation, they exchanged vows on June 30, 1962, marking the beginning of a partnership that spanned over six decades. Their life's journey brought them to Florida in 1967, where they first established their home in Fort Walton Beach before realizing their dream of building a sanctuary together on Shirk's Bayou in Niceville, Florida back in 1991.

Mary Ann's passion for animals, particularly dogs, was a defining aspect of her life. Her home was always filled with the companionship of furry friends and surrounded by the natural beauty of Shirk’s bayou.

A talented artist, Mary Ann's passion for wildlife and animals found expression in her intricate pen and ink drawings, capturing the essence of both local and exotic creatures with breathtaking detail - rendered in black in white using an old-fashioned crow quill pen and ink medium. Traveling locally during the late 70's and 80's, sometimes further down the Florida gulf coast attending art shows with other aspiring artist as far as Cedar Key and Fairhope, Al.

In her final years, Mary Ann was surrounded by the compassionate care and companionship of Lisa Simpson, Liza Nuñez, and Victoria Batin, who became not only caregivers but dear friends.

As we bid farewell to Mary Ann, let us remember her vibrant spirit, her love for family and furry friends, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her. May her spirit continue to shine brightly in our hearts and memories.

We remember her with love and fondness.

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