Barbara Ann Brosius Burkey

Barbara Ann Brosius Burkey, Avid Horticulturist and Cat Companion, dies at 78.

Barbara Ann Brosius Burkey, a longtime Chester County resident who was an accomplished gardener and dedicated friend of cats, died July 13 in her home in Westampton, New Jersey. She was 78.

Her daughter, Brooke, said the cause was presumed Alzheimer’s disease.

Barbara Ann Brosius was born on February 15, 1939 in Hephzibah. She graduated from Coatesville High School in 1957 and worked at Johnson Matthey as the Secretary to the Chief Engineer/Vice President until her first child was born.

She was married for almost 33 years to Winfield Earl “Pete” Burkey. They did extensive landscaping on their Downingtown home and cultivated beautiful gardens there which were much admired. Antique and flea market shopping was a favorite pastime; she was a skilled and savvy haggler with an expert eye for valuable collectibles.

Ms. Burkey was an extraordinary mother and wife, and an enduring woman who lived a rich and worthy life with kindness and good spirit. She brought joy to many, and she is dearly missed.

Ms. Burkey is survived by her son, Kenneth, of Atlanta, Georgia; her cat Joey and her daughter Brooke, both of Philadelphia; her younger sister, Margaret (Peggy) McFalls, of Honeybrook, Pennsylvania; and her former husband, Winfield (Pete), of Christiansburg, Virginia.

A memorial dinner will be held at the Brickside Grille in Exton, Pennsylvania on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 6:30 pm. All are welcome. RSVPs to burkeymomis@gmail.com are welcome but not required.