Kay E. Burgess

Kay E. Burgess, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away on July 14, 2006 at the age of 73. Kay was born in Saginaw to Gus and Lena (Billiter) Dabbert on December 19, 1932. She married John N. Burgess November 27, 1954, in Saginaw. They had two daughters. The couple moved to West Branch in 1968 and became owners of Burgess Real Estate until retiring in 1998. Kay was a real estate agent and one excellent book-keeper. She also operated a ladies dress shop for a short period of time in the late 1990's called THE HUMMINGBIRD. Through the years John and Kay were able to travel, and enjoyed trips to Toronto with her dear friend Eleanor. She loved her grandsons, enjoyed visits to the casino, and adored hummingbirds. Kay was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband, John of 52 years, and her two daughters, Linda O'Connor(Michael) of West Branch and Diane of Idaho. She is also survived by 3 grandsons; Jay (Jennifer) Christenson of Palmyra, Virginia, Jon O'Connor and fiancee Katie Fuller of Grand Rapids and Jeff O'Connor of West Branch. Also surviving are three great grandchildren; Verity and Brody Christenson of New Bern, N.C.and the newest addition to the family Bradley Alan Christenson of Palmyra, Virginia. Kay has a brother Milton Dabbert of Marathon, FL., a sister Anita Page (Marvin) of Zepherhills, FL. and two sisters in law; Deborah Komara (Bob)of Yucaipa, CA. and Marjory Burgess of West Branch. Preceding Kay in death are her parents Gus and Lena Dabbert, a brother Donald Dabbert, a sister Ruth Kuch, a brother in law Tom Burgess, a grandson Robert Christenson, and a half sister in law, Beverly Roberts. A special thank you to her favorite cousins Dick and Sally Seeley of South Branch for their weekly visits and prayers, and to pastor Andrew Gruenhagen of St. John Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank Sara, Courtney and Barb from Hospice of Helping Hands in West Branch for giving Kay the dignity she so deserved. We greatly appreciate everything everyone at Bortz Health Care in Rose City did caring for her, especially Peggy Kocks, Deb McElroy, Sue Booth Melissa Letts, Chris Nichols, Jenny Malone Rose Poskett, Kacie Fach, and Claire Meyers. Thank you Sandy Dorsett and Kim Allen for spending the last night with us. You all helped make her illness a little more bearable. When we think of Kay and the battle she endured, our family will find comfort remembering all those who visited, helped with her care and grew to love her as we did. There will be a memorial service held on Saturday July 22, 2006 at 11:00AM at St. John Lutheran Church in West Branch. Pastor Andrew Gruenhagen will officiate. Burial has taken place in Brookside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Kay's honor to Hospice of Helping Hands of West Branch. Arrangements By Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes, West Branch.