Kathryn “Kathy” or “Wendy”Ann Burjeck left this world on December 4, 2021 at the age of 73. Kathy was predeceased by her parents, Gus and Marie; and her little brother, Michael. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 41 years, Roland; children: Elizabeth Ortinau (Matt) and Laura Coverstone (Jim); grandchildren: Sophie, Elliott, and August; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Kathy was born on August 10, 1948 in St. Louis, MO. After graduating from high school, Kathy took a year off to save up for her education. She returned to the classroom the following year and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in English at University Missouri-St. Louis. Following her time at UMSL, Kathy took a job at McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) where she later met Roland, the “man of her dreams,” in a company carpool. Her family and friends still laugh about her initial hesitancy to go on a date with Roland as she was afraid it would end poorly and “ruin a perfectly good carpool.”
Kathy loved spending time in her sewing room, going on vacations, celebrating the holidays, shopping (anywhere!), playing board games and cards, napping in her chair, cuddling with her family, attending her children and grandchildren’s games, and dining out with those she loved. She was an extraordinary seamstress, crocheter, and costume designer. Halloween was one of her favorite times of the year because she found great happiness in making costumes and dressing up. If you could explain your vision, Kathy could make it!
But above all, she loved her family and close friends. Kathy adored her husband and especially enjoyed their time together after Roland retired. She never shied away from the opportunity to talk about her daughters or brag about her grandchildren. They gave her immense joy and purpose in life. Grandmother was her favorite title by far but queen or “queenie” also made the list.
She will be missed more than words could ever express.
A private memorial service is scheduled later this week. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Children’s Miracle Network on her behalf.
I am so sorry for your loss! Mrs. Burjeck was a wonderful person! I loved baking cookies and being around her!
I am so sorry for your loss! Mrs. Burjeck was a wonderful person! I loved baking cookies and being around her!
Kath was one of my closest and dearest friends for over 50 years. We met the first day of orientation at UMSL and I knew from that day we would always be friends. We spent so much time together that I felt like I was part of her family. Her 92 year old grandmother called me ‘sister’. Kathy and I thought it was because we were like sisters. Turned out because my name is Mary Margaret and I had long, nearly black hair, she thought I was a nun. Her eyesight was a little fuzzy! We shared many of life’s important events- graduation, marriages, kids, grandkids, together. Went on lots of trips – Key West, Panama Canal, San Francisco. Kathy was always fun to be with and we never had an angry word in all those years. We played infinite games of cards and scrabble. She was a great competitor, gracious in victory or defeat. But, mostly she was everything a friend should be, the person who always made the bad times tolerable and the good times great. She was so much a part of my life that I know she will always be with me, her memory a constant blessing and a comfort.
Kath was one of my closest and dearest friends for over 50 years. We met the first day of orientation at UMSL and I knew from that day we would always be friends. We spent so much time together that I felt like I was part of her family. Her 92 year old grandmother called me ‘sister’. Kathy and I thought it was because we were like sisters. Turned out because my name is Mary Margaret and I had long, nearly black hair, she thought I was a nun. Her eyesight was a little fuzzy! We shared many of life’s important events- graduation, marriages, kids, grandkids, together. Went on lots of trips – Key West, Panama Canal, San Francisco. Kathy was always fun to be with and we never had an angry word in all those years. We played infinite games of cards and scrabble. She was a great competitor, gracious in victory or defeat. But, mostly she was everything a friend should be, the person who always made the bad times tolerable and the good times great. She was so much a part of my life that I know she will always be with me, her memory a constant blessing and a comfort.
Kathy’s passing is a deep and personal loss for those of us who are her friends.
In my grief I try to take my own advice to others and be thankful for the time I had with sweet Wendy.
Although she may not have had a chance to hold her newest granddaughter I promise that Sophie will learn from me what a sweet ray of sunshine her grandma was.
She will live on in my fond memories of her and of our time spent together.
Kathy’s passing is a deep and personal loss for those of us who are her friends.
In my grief I try to take my own advice to others and be thankful for the time I had with sweet Wendy.
Although she may not have had a chance to hold her newest granddaughter I promise that Sophie will learn from me what a sweet ray of sunshine her grandma was.
She will live on in my fond memories of her and of our time spent together.
Elizabeth, I can’t put into words how heart broken I am by the loss of your beloved Mom. That is such a crippling loss. I pray you find comfort in the circle of family and friends who love you. She will always be with you & you will see her again. Thinking of you & keeping you all in my prayers.
Mrs. Ailor
Elizabeth, I can’t put into words how heart broken I am by the loss of your beloved Mom. That is such a crippling loss. I pray you find comfort in the circle of family and friends who love you. She will always be with you & you will see her again. Thinking of you & keeping you all in my prayers.
Mrs. Ailor
I was very fortunate to have met Kathy and Roland a few months ago while I was working at a senior living community. I was running around very busy and Kathy said with a sunny smile, “You need your roller skates today!” Then Roland played a song for me. “Brand New Key-(Composer Melanie Safka ).” It brightened my day that the two of them cared to engage in a short encounter with me that made a lasting impression. I’m certain Kathy is sending sunshine, rainbows, and love to all of those she touched on earth. Kathy will be greatly missed.
I was very fortunate to have met Kathy and Roland a few months ago while I was working at a senior living community. I was running around very busy and Kathy said with a sunny smile, “You need your roller skates today!” Then Roland played a song for me. “Brand New Key-(Composer Melanie Safka ).” It brightened my day that the two of them cared to engage in a short encounter with me that made a lasting impression. I’m certain Kathy is sending sunshine, rainbows, and love to all of those she touched on earth. Kathy will be greatly missed.
Kathy was a great neighbor on Prairie View Ct . We had fun raising our girls and watching them grow. And she was great seamstress and still have the little “weiss” guy onesie she gave Derek ( couldn’t part with it) she always had a smile ! She will be missed so much by her family and those who knew her
Kathy was a great neighbor on Prairie View Ct . We had fun raising our girls and watching them grow. And she was great seamstress and still have the little “weiss” guy onesie she gave Derek ( couldn’t part with it) she always had a smile ! She will be missed so much by her family and those who knew her
Kathy was a very special and awesome woman. We fell so lucky to have been blessed with her friendship and becoming part of our family; when Elizabeth married our son, Matt. It was a perfect joining of our families. She had a way of bringing joy and happiness to all gatherings. Our hearts are so saddened and our lives will always be missing the joy and happiness she brought to every get together. We are truly going to miss having her bright spirit and kindness in our lives. Our hearts are broken and aching for Roland, Elizabeth, Matt, Laura, Jim, Elliot, Gus, and baby Sophie. I know Kathy will be watching over each of you every day, and you will be surprised how often you will know she is helping you.
Kathy I promise to give Sophie an extra grandma kiss and hug for you every time I give her one.
Kathy was a very special and awesome woman. We fell so lucky to have been blessed with her friendship and becoming part of our family; when Elizabeth married our son, Matt. It was a perfect joining of our families. She had a way of bringing joy and happiness to all gatherings. Our hearts are so saddened and our lives will always be missing the joy and happiness she brought to every get together. We are truly going to miss having her bright spirit and kindness in our lives. Our hearts are broken and aching for Roland, Elizabeth, Matt, Laura, Jim, Elliot, Gus, and baby Sophie. I know Kathy will be watching over each of you every day, and you will be surprised how often you will know she is helping you.
Kathy I promise to give Sophie an extra grandma kiss and hug for you every time I give her one.
My condolences to Roland, the girls, and their families. Your hearts must be aching. Kathy was my “alley” buddy. Growing up in Dutchtown we made permanent tracks in the alley that separated our homes. She was my maid of honor 55 years ago. And we were carpool buddies before she and Roland were! In later years our friendship was limited to Facebook and Words with Friends. That girl was smart! I already miss her. Rest in peace dear SAH sister.
My condolences to Roland, the girls, and their families. Your hearts must be aching. Kathy was my “alley” buddy. Growing up in Dutchtown we made permanent tracks in the alley that separated our homes. She was my maid of honor 55 years ago. And we were carpool buddies before she and Roland were! In later years our friendship was limited to Facebook and Words with Friends. That girl was smart! I already miss her. Rest in peace dear SAH sister.
Today I just happened to see a memory Laura posted on FB from several years ago of Elliott missing “paw paw”. I had not seen any posts or comments from Kathy in such a long time that I navigated to her FB page only to see reference to “leave a tribute”. I did think it odd that I had a Christmas card returned marked “unknown addressee”or something to that effect. And was not able to reach her my phone either.
So I ended up here hoping it really wasn’t what I thought it was. I am so sad to hear that my very first bff who I met first day of kindergarten at St. Anthony’s had passed last December. Even though we lost track of each other’s lives when my family moved to small town Illinois the summer of 1960 we did try to remain in touch thru letters and later when I returned to St. Louis phone calls. btw, this is Judy Pelczynski, now Middendorf.
Sending my condolences to Roland, Laura, Elizabeth & families. I am heart broken that my friend Kathy with the sweetest smile & laugh has departed this earth, but happy that she is now gone home to be with our Lord Jesus
Today I just happened to see a memory Laura posted on FB from several years ago of Elliott missing “paw paw”. I had not seen any posts or comments from Kathy in such a long time that I navigated to her FB page only to see reference to “leave a tribute”. I did think it odd that I had a Christmas card returned marked “unknown addressee”or something to that effect. And was not able to reach her my phone either.
So I ended up here hoping it really wasn’t what I thought it was. I am so sad to hear that my very first bff who I met first day of kindergarten at St. Anthony’s had passed last December. Even though we lost track of each other’s lives when my family moved to small town Illinois the summer of 1960 we did try to remain in touch thru letters and later when I returned to St. Louis phone calls. btw, this is Judy Pelczynski, now Middendorf.
Sending my condolences to Roland, Laura, Elizabeth & families. I am heart broken that my friend Kathy with the sweetest smile & laugh has departed this earth, but happy that she is now gone home to be with our Lord Jesus