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.