Obituary of Phyllis T. Burd

Phyllis T. Burd, 93, of Washington, NJ passed away peacefully on August 10, 2022 at Heath Village Nursing Home with her loving family by her side. Phyllis was born on August 31, 1928 in Dalton, MA to the late Herbert and Elizabeth Kittredge Taft. She grew up in Groton, Connecticut and graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School class of 1946. She pursued secretarial work after graduation. While in Connecticut she met Don Burd, who was from Washington, NJ. They were married in 1949 and moved to Washington, NJ in 1966 when he retired from the Coast Guard. Phyllis was employed as a secretary for the ARC of Warren County until her retirement in 1990 and also served on their executive board as past president. One of her sons, Jeffrey, was born with Down Syndrome, leading her to an active role advocating for services and support for those with disabilities. In 1974 Phyllis was a founding board member of Abilities of Northwest Jersey, promoting vocational training and employment services for individuals throughout the community. She served on the board until 2014. Both agencies have dedicated her name to capital projects, commemorating her many years of advocacy and support. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Washington and an active member of the United Methodist Women group. She had been a volunteer for the Washington Community Food Pantry since it began in 1974. She was a 43 year member of the Order of Eastern Star Of NJ Stewart Chapter #166, serving as a Past Matron and Past Grand Officer. She was inducted into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame, Class of 2007. Phyllis was honored by the Washington Celebrates America committee for being selected as the 2018 Grand Marshal for the July Fourth Parade. In addition to being a dedicated volunteer for her community, Phyllis enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with her family, many who followed her footsteps into public service careers. Phyllis is survived by her sons, Guy "Herbie" Burd and his wife Deborah, Jeffrey Burd, and Scott Burd and his wife Deborah; her daughters, Donna Golda and her husband John, Patricia Burd and her husband James Sisk, Linda Burd and her husband Ralph Anema and Cynthia Wildermuth and her husband Steve; 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Phyllis was predeceased in death by her husband, Donald A. Burd, in 1994 Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 from 4-8 PM at the Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 W. Washington Ave. Washington, NJ 07882. A funeral service celebrating Phyllis's life will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Montana Mountain Cemetery in Harmony. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Phyllis's name to Abilities of Northwest Jersey, PO Box 251 Washington, NJ 07882, http://www.abilitiesnw.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an on-line condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com