Betty M. (Burgard) Durnin

Betty M. (Burgard) Durnin

Betty M. (Burgard) Durnin, age 93, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Carlisle, passed away at Messiah Village on Wednesday February 28, 2018.  Betty was born on Saturday, May 3, 1924 in Carlisle to the late Romayne A. (Foster) Burgard.  In addition to her mother, Betty was preceded in death by step-father, John Roy Burgard; two half-brothers, John Burgard and Richard Burgard; and half-sister Valda Peffer.

Betty’s survivors include her friends: Susan Bitner, Gerald Brinser, Brand Eaton, Gwen Reese, Vikki and John Swailes; and her half-brother, Robert Burgard.

She was a retired practical nurse, who graduated from the Carlisle Hospital School of Practical Nursing on January 28, 1953.  Her nursing career included St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York; working as assistant to Dr. Ray McCullough; as office nurse to surgeon, Dr. Wallace Hobby; and as a relief nurse for Dr. Edward Kronenburg; all of whom practiced in Carlisle.  She later retired from the Home Health Department at Messiah Village.

Betty was an active volunteer at HealthSouth in the gift shop, and in the library at Bethany Village for fourteen years.  She also was a member of an arts and crafts group in which she enjoyed sewing over the years for the Bethany Village bazaars.  She enjoyed playing cards, specifically Pinochle and Canasta, and going to yard sales and flea markets.  Betty was appreciative of her relationships with friends and neighbors, especially Vikki and John Swailes of Newville.  She was a member of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church.

All are welcome to join Betty’s family at her graveside service and interment on Friday, March 9, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Mechanicsburg Cemetery; with Reverend Dr. Brand Eaton officiating.

Contributions in celebration of Betty’s life can be made to the United Methodist Home for Children, 5120 Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Betty’s family has entrusted her care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Betty’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.