Lucy M. Burnette

Lucy Mae Burnette (nee Lybert) was born into eternal life on April 23, 2024. She is survived by her adoring husband Edward, her son Steven, and her daughters, Candyce Gauthier (Christopher) and Linda Dreger (David), and grandchildren Isaac, Isabel, and Matthew (Steven) Burnette, Benny and Jonathan (Candyce) Gauthier, and Marissa, Joshua, and Nathan (Linda) Dreger, her sister Ruth Dorava, and many family and friends.

Lucy was born in the small town of Tony, Wisconsin on a dairy farm. She was proud of her farm heritage. Lucy was a trailblazer as a young woman, moving to Denver, Colorado, with her lifelong friend Babe, skiing in the Rocky Mountains, and surfing in California.

Her love of children led her to pursue an associates degree in teaching. Her first teaching job was in a one-room schoolhouse, and she would later work as a paraprofessional teacher aide for Milwaukee Public Schools.

Family and caring for others was always central in her life. When she was in her mid twenties she returned home from Denver, Colorado to care for her ailing father.

After her parents’ passing, she moved to Milwaukee and obtained a job at CNA Insurance. It was in Milwaukee that she met her husband of 56 years, Ed, at Victor’s Cocktail Lounge. They met on March 17, 1967, and married on November 2 of the same year.

In 1968 she became a mother for the first time when Steve was born, fulfilling her dream and calling of being a mother. Steve was soon joined by Candyce (1970), and Linda (1972).

Lucy was a loving and attentive caregiver. Her dedication filled her family’s life with love and fond memories. Family and friends attest to her sweet and caring nature, always welcoming others in a loving manner. She was also known for her wit and sass.

One of Lucy’s great joys was being a Grandma. She cherished her grandchildren and showered them with love, affection, and generosity. Her grandchildren adored her back, knowing her constant support as their biggest cheerleader, who was always there for them.

Her example of love and care inspired those around her to love and care for others. She was grateful for acts of care and kindness, both big and small, offered to her, thanking others, even to her last moments.

Lucy was a woman of strong faith and set the foundation for her family’s faith, the greatest gift she could give her children and grandchildren.

We know that we have a prayer warrior in Heaven watching out for us. The following is a prayer she read daily during her final weeks after coming home from the hospital:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

A memorial gathering will be held at Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church (3672 E. Plankinton Ave., Cudahy, WI 53110) on Saturday May 4 from 9-10:45AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11AM. If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, the following organizations do work that Lucy was extremely supportive of: Catholic Charities, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Milwaukee, or to GLOW 414 (for link, scroll to the bottom of the page).