Cecelia Ann Burger

Cecelia Ann Burger, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away, Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at the age of 47. She died at Mercy Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids from numerous medical complications following a pedestrian/car accident on October 7, 2015. Cecelia was born September 21, 1968 in Beaver Falls, PA and was the youngest child of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Burger. She graduated from Blackhawk High School in 1987; from the University of Notre Dame in 1991; and from Rutgers University in 1996. She was a licensed Physical Therapist and worked in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Michigan. Cecelia had an adventurous spirit, friendly disposition, and gentle nature. She used compassion, intelligence, and empathy to serve her patients. Cecelia was an accomplished pianist, attended the theatre as often as she could, and listened to all genres of music. She loved her dog and enjoyed long walks with her friends and fellow animal lovers. She drew strength from the companionship and comradery she found with her closest friends. Cecelia is survived by her mother, Joline S. Burger of Patterson Twp., and ten siblings: Jeannine (Greg) Landry; Christine (Larry) Burns; Joseph A. (Cindy) Burger; John Burger; Thomas Burger; Michael (Laura) Burger; Joline (Walter) Smith; Kathleen Burger; Marie (Chris) Delmonte; and James (Amy) Burger. She is also survived by 23 nieces and nephews. Cecelia was predeceased by her father, Dr. Joseph G. Burger (2012). A funeral mass was celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and burial was at Resurrection Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MI. Cecelia bravely fought diabetes for most of her life and so the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Cecelia’s name to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14^th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

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December 16, 2017

Cecelia was such a loving and caring woman. She helped me with my hand. When i broke every finger. She also said "Be the change you want to see in the world". GONDI

- Scott Brand

April 18, 2016

Dear Mrs. Burger, I just read Cecelia's name for a remembrance at the Notre Dame 25th reunion. I am so very sorry for your loss of your daughter. Whenever I think of Cecelia, I recall how we took classes together at ND; she helped me to play an April Fool's day joke on a friend. She called him, pretending to be on the committee at another university where I was said to have applied for a PhD, that this friend was listed as my #1 reference...She was so funny with playing out the role and did a perfect job with it! We both had some nice laughs. That is how I remember her. I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Malene Terry Schultz

- Malene Terry Schultz

January 03, 2016

Joline and family! I remember visiting your home during college and meeting Cel! What a great person! So very sorry for your loss. I think of you often. Thoughts and prayers. Nancy (Schmit) Hegedus

- Nancy Schmit Hegedus

December 29, 2015

Cecelia was my strength and guiding light . She spoiled me with her intelligence and love,filled my life with music and harmony,filled my heart with sunshine and joy. Cecelia had no limits and reached for the sky and touched the stars. I will never forget Cecelia , she was beautiful in every way. I will keep her in my heart for I am a better person because of Cecelia Ann burger. I loved her more than anything. God bless her. nikolas louca

- nikolas louca

December 24, 2015

I taught 5th grade at Patterson Elementary School. I remember Cecelia although I did not have her as a student. I did have her brother Jim and was always touched by how much he cared and looked out for her. He was in 5th grade and she was a student in the same hallway. I was impressed by how they cared about each other.

- ROMAINE JESKY-SMITH

December 23, 2015

It seems like only yesterday Cecelia and I were chatting away the evening at our 25th Blackhawk reunion. She was one of my good friends in high school and I will always remember her fondly. She had an amazing intellect, beauty (loved those dimples), talent (wow, was she good on the piano!)and was one of the nicest, kindest people I have known. So tragic to hear this news of her accident and I wish her family comfort and peace during this time. My deepest sympathies and condolences extended to her family, friends and co-workers. God Bless you Cecelia

- Samuel Stanchak

December 23, 2015

To the Burger Family and friends of Cecilia........... Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you at this time.

- Jerry and Kathy Steines & family

December 22, 2015

Dear Burger family- I am shocked and saddened to hear of Cel's passing. We were the best of friends for many years growing up, and I have so many memories of her... When I think of her, I am reminded of her beautiful dimples, her gorgeous piano playing, sneaking into her brothers' bedroom to listen to Simon and Garfunkel records, sleepovers at the Burger's house, afternoons at the tennis courts, her sharp intelligence. Though we have not been in touch for so many years, I hold much love for her in my heart. May she rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the Burger family.

- Maria Morelli

December 21, 2015

It's with great sadness to read of Cecilia's untimely passing. Although I never knew Cecilia as my student, I have sweet and fond memories of Christine and Jeannine excitedly telling me that a new baby was to be added to the Burger family due the same month as I was expecting my first. Cecilia was born 9 days after my daughter and thinking about learning that news always brought a smile to my face. So it's with a very sad heart, I extend my deepest condolences to the entire family. God bless.

- Nancy Carroll MacDonald