Burkett

Martha Lee (Gandy) Burkett 81, of Evans City passed away peacefully Sunday evening in St. Paul Home, Greenville, with her family at her side.

Born in Wilkinsburg, Jan. 9, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Malcolm and Kathleen (Copp) Gandy.

The family moved to Callery, where she attended Evans City High School.

Martha married Allan "Denny" Burkett, her high school sweetheart in 1949; and they made their home in Evans City.

She was employed for 20 years at Jaffe's store in Butler, where she was a dress and bridal buyer.

She was a member of Westminster United Presbyterian Church, Evans City.

Martha enjoyed gardening, sewing and collecting glassware and loved antiques. She later sold handmade slate art.

She was a charter member of the Evans City Historical Society, publishing "Callery 1880-1989" and "Transportation Beginning." She spent many hours setting up displays at the museum.

Her children fondly recall her resourcefulness, such as painting a car with a brush, upholstering sofas and baking cakes to welcome new neighbors. She also enjoyed time with her grandchildren, lying in the grass while naming clouds, playing checkers and eating ice cream, but especially their annual trip to Myrtle Beach.

She was preceded in death by her husband Allan Dean "Denny" Burkett, who died Aug. 23, 2006.

Surviving are a daughter, Karen (Gerald) Penna of Erie; a son, James (Verna Ann) Burkett of Mercer; a sister, Phyllis Stiffler of Evans City; a brother, John (Evelyn) Gandy of Evans City; and two grandchildren, Jennifer and Jared Penna of Erie.

<B>BURKETT</B> — Friends and relatives of Martha L. Gandy Burkett, who died Sunday, May 17, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at <B>A. Carl Kinsey-Ronald N. Volz Funeral Home Inc.</B>, 328 W. Main St., Evans City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the funeral home with the Rev. Rosalyn Kummer officiating. Burial will be in Evans City Cemetery.Memorial donations may be made to Evans City Historical Society, 204 S. Jackson St., Evans City, PA 16033; the St. Paul Homes, 339 E. Jamestown Road, Greenville, PA 16125; or the Alzheimers Association, 1100 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222.Additional information may be obtained at www.kinsey-volzfuneralhome.com.