Jessie Louise Burch Obituary
Greendale, Wisconsin - Jessie Louise Burch, nee Ford, 91, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Nov. 12, 2021. She is survived by sons David Burch (Jennifer), Bill Burch (Barri), Janice Burch Kayser, and grandchildren Kelly (Nick) White, Caitlin Burch, Ian Miller (Anna), Samantha Burch, Rachel Burch, Carlen (Matt) Gedye, Michael Kayser, and great-grandchildren Alex, Ben, Madeline, Paul and Oliver.
Jessie is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years W. Donald Burch, sister Virginia Ford Zenke, parents William Jessie and Annie Lee Campbell Ford, granddaughter Mary Kayser and many dear relatives and friends.
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on July 4, 1930, Jessie grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, graduating from Granby High School and Women's College (now UNC – Greensboro), majoring in art and vocal performance.
Jessie loved art, music and the ocean. She spent her childhood with family and friends at the beach and was involved with her church. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree, she took a job as a cartographer making maps for the U.S. Navy.
A blind date brought Jessie together with her future husband, a handsome U.S. Naval officer. For their first date, Don took her to see the symphony, gaining immediate points with Jessie, who loved classical music. Within six months, they were married.
The newlyweds moved to Milwaukee after Don received an offer for an engineer position with Allen Bradley. They eventually settled in Greendale, where they fell in love with the community, raised three children and made lifelong friends.
Jessie worked as a Teacher Assistant with the Greendale Public School System for more than 30 years, primarily at Highland View Elementary School. She had a reputation as a nurturer, making sure each child felt special, learning how to express themselves through art and writing.
With classical training and a three-octave range, Jessie moved audiences with her incredible soprano voice and performed as a soloist and in choirs for special events, weddings and funerals, and with the Greendale Community Church Choir.
An intellect, thoughtful, kind and passionate, Jessie leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and light. A wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, she will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. until the service, at 11:30 a.m. at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI. A private family-only burial service will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
Thank you to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice for their comfort and support in Jessie's final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial scholarship fund established for Jessie's granddaughter Mary, who passed unexpectedly in April 2021. Jessie loved to watch her granddaughter perform in musicals and attended every performance throughout her years on stage. The scholarship will support Wauwatosa West students active in choir or theatre to attend 4- and 2-year college programs.
Checks can be made directly to: Wauwatosa School District, be sure to write in the note section: "Mary Kayser Mem Scholarship." Donations will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed directly to Cindy Kazmierski, Wauwatosa School District, 12121 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226
If you desire a receipt for tax purposes, please indicate so on the envelope with your return address for the district.
