Obituary for Debra "Deb" Burda
Debra "Deb" Burda, 65, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, with her loved ones at her side. Deb's untimely departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love, kindness and resilience will continue to inspire us all.
As a partner, daughter, aunt, great-aunt and step-mother, Deb poured boundless love and devotion into her relationships. Her unwavering loyalty, positive energy and compassion touched the hearts of everyone she met, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
One of Deb's greatest joys was planning parties and those lucky enough to attend one of her legendary gatherings knew they were in for a night to remember. "Deb and Linda's Derby Party" and various golf charity parties were legendary, filled with laughter, music, and karaoke. Deb had a knack for bringing people together and making everyone feel not just welcome, but profoundly seen, loved and heard. With an open and honest heart there was no better friend, no such thing as an acquaintance.
Despite facing the toughest opponent of her life, pancreatic cancer, Deb never lost her fighting spirit. She faced each day with courage and dignity, never allowing the disease to dim her light or dampen her enthusiasm for life. Even in her final days, Deb remained steadfast in her resolve, refusing to give up the fight.
Deb's life was marked by dedication and achievement, retiring as a Director of Sales and Marketing for the Kentucky State Fair Board. She excelled in sports, earning many gold medals in the Senior Olympics and showcased her talent as a collegiate tennis athlete. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Deb's passion for life extended beyond sports; she also was an avid traveler, golfer, dog lover, foodie and all-around outdoor enthusiast.
Deb was preceded in death by her father Edward Burda. Survivors include her spouse and partner of 44 years, Linda Wemes; her beloved mother, Rita Burda; her dear and supportive brothers, James (Kathy), Robert (Susie); her step-daughter, Traci Lind (Oliver); nephew, Bryan (Alanna); niece, Melissa Messinger (Brad), as well as cherished grand-nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, April 30th, from 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM, at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 1, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1920 Newburg Road.
Deb's spirit will continue to inspire and be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
As a partner, daughter, aunt, great-aunt and step-mother, Deb poured boundless love and devotion into her relationships. Her unwavering loyalty, positive energy and compassion touched the hearts of everyone she met, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
One of Deb's greatest joys was planning parties and those lucky enough to attend one of her legendary gatherings knew they were in for a night to remember. "Deb and Linda's Derby Party" and various golf charity parties were legendary, filled with laughter, music, and karaoke. Deb had a knack for bringing people together and making everyone feel not just welcome, but profoundly seen, loved and heard. With an open and honest heart there was no better friend, no such thing as an acquaintance.
Despite facing the toughest opponent of her life, pancreatic cancer, Deb never lost her fighting spirit. She faced each day with courage and dignity, never allowing the disease to dim her light or dampen her enthusiasm for life. Even in her final days, Deb remained steadfast in her resolve, refusing to give up the fight.
Deb's life was marked by dedication and achievement, retiring as a Director of Sales and Marketing for the Kentucky State Fair Board. She excelled in sports, earning many gold medals in the Senior Olympics and showcased her talent as a collegiate tennis athlete. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Deb's passion for life extended beyond sports; she also was an avid traveler, golfer, dog lover, foodie and all-around outdoor enthusiast.
Deb was preceded in death by her father Edward Burda. Survivors include her spouse and partner of 44 years, Linda Wemes; her beloved mother, Rita Burda; her dear and supportive brothers, James (Kathy), Robert (Susie); her step-daughter, Traci Lind (Oliver); nephew, Bryan (Alanna); niece, Melissa Messinger (Brad), as well as cherished grand-nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Tuesday, April 30th, from 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM, at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 1, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1920 Newburg Road.
Deb's spirit will continue to inspire and be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.