Wilma Burchett

June 30, 1931 — January 19, 2025

Wilma (Willie) Marie Burchett, 93, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025 in her home in Rockford, Illinois. She was born in Spencer, Wisconsin on June 30, 1931, the daughter of Cecil and Elva Sanner (Harris) and grew up on the family farm near Chana, IL and graduated from Rochelle High School in 1949. She married Carl (Harvey) Burchett on January 16, 1954 and they celebrated their 71 years of marriage just 3 days prior to her passing. Mom loved baking, eating chocolate, shopping (but not buying), getting her hair done every week (thanks Barb), roller skating (but not recently), going out to eat and traveling (except camping in a tent in Alaska when she thought a bear would haul her off). She loved her family dearly and she had a special love and gift for shepherding little ones. Mom and Dad taught 4 & 5 year olds in Sunday School for 45 years at Central Christian Church in Rockford where they have been a part of the Church family for 65 years. "Willie" is most remembered for babysitting hundreds of children over more than 40 years at "Willie's Happy House," retiring at 75 years young. She is survived by her dear husband and her children Steve (Andie) Burchett of Geneva, IL and Deb Burchett of Rockford. She also leaves behind her cherished granddaughters, Becci (Nick) Gauna of Oak Park, IL, Taylor Lowry of Geneva, IL, Mackenzie Burchett (Tyler Boulden) of Noblesville, IN; great grandchildren Julian and Isabelle Gauna, Taft, Meyer and Wells Lowry and Howdy Boulden, special caretaker Femi and granddog Rugby. She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Eve Hardy, Helen Swenson, Dorthy Marquez, Wayne Sanner, Richard Sanner, Wilbur Sanner and Shirley Jackson. A memorial service will be held at Central Christian Church in Rockford, IL on Saturday, February 15, with visitation at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM with luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Christian Church in the name of Wilma Burchett.

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Wilma Burchett

June 30, 1931 — January 19, 2025

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