Traverse City, Michigan
TRAVERSE CITY — Linda Ellen Burrell, 67, of Traverse City, died on March 18, 2007, at the Munson Medical Center Hospice House. Linda dedicated her life to enriching the experience of children during her career as a teacher and through her numerous philanthropic activities.
Linda was born in Detroit on Sept. 3, 1939, the daughter of John and Genevieve (Merritt) Chambers. In 1963, she married Donald Burrell, with whom she raised two sons. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Michigan State University and embarked on a career teaching in the Birmingham and Grand Rapids school districts. After time off for the birth of her sons, Linda taught at the Livonia Co-Op Nursery school for 23 years while earning a master's degree in early childhood education. At the Livonia Nursery, Linda's inspiration and encouragement laid the foundation for many successful academic careers.
Upon retiring with her husband to Traverse City, she became active in a number of charitable organizations, including Love for Children, Pi Beta Phi sorority and PEO. In addition to these activities, she belonged to the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City and enjoyed her family and granddaughters, entertaining friends and sunsets on Silver Lake.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Burrell of Traverse City; sons Scott (Pamela) Burrell of Washington, D.C., and Greg (Susan) Burrell of Novi; granddaughters Avery, Zoe and Samantha Burrell of Novi, and siblings Joan Davis of Tucson, Ariz., Wendy Worley of Chandler, Ariz., and John Chambers of Glendale, Ariz.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 13, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.
A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City on Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Dr. Homer Nye and the Rev. Becky Chamberlain will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Love for Children, c/o The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 or PEO Chapter EH (Scholarships for Women) c/o Kathy Nolan, 605 N. 11th St., Traverse City, 49684.
Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home; www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
When The World lost Linda; "The music stopped!" Linda made Social Activities HAPPEN! Traverse City has never been, nor shall it ever be, as GOOD as it was with Linda at the Helm. Then, we lost Don, my High School (BENTLEY H.S. LIVONIA, MI) Classmate. (Class of 1953)
Nels and Patti Larson
March 26, 2021 | Lathrup Village, MI | Friend
Hello Don,
From a friend of the past.
Just seen the obit that was posted in the Livonia newspaper. Our prayers are with you and your family. I tried calling a couple of times but no one home.
Your school friend.
Don Harrison
Don Harrison
April 26, 2007 | Mohave Valley, AZ
Dear Mr. Burrell, Scott & Greg,
I was so sad to hear from my parents about 'Mrs. Burell's' illness and then her passing. I will always remember her warm smile, sparkling eyes & great sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to all of you and hope that your sadness is eased when you think of wonderful memories and the joy she brought to many.
Love,
Tracey (Ridley) Maranto
April 12, 2007 | Baltimore, MD
To the Burrell family
My family's extends their sympathy for the loss of such a great woman. Linda taught both of my sons at Livonia Nursery and from that time on I have always measured all teachers next to her. She always had such a great spirit and even though it has been many years since my sons were taught by Linda (they are now 22 and 19) they still both have stories that pop up at the dinner table or during a family outing. She has always been and will continue to be...
Tim, Sandy, Matthew, Kevin and Reilly Winn
April 10, 2007 | Rockford, MI
Dear Mr. Burrell, Greg & Scott: The entire Ronayne family is deeply saddened to hear of your huge loss. I will never forget how good "Mrs. Burrell" treated me, inviting me up north to Silver Lake...the very same place that I spend every summer with my own family. May the love and strength of God help you during this most difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Mary Ronayne (Colcer)
April 09, 2007 | Pinckney, MI
Scott,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and Pam, and continue to be with you during this time. I know Pam is there to support you, and I hope you can also find comfort and peace in the fact that your Mom has been released from her condition here and is now in a better place.
With sincere sympathy,
Victoria Walker
Victoria Walker
April 06, 2007 | Viean, VA
Dear Don and Family:
In all my years I have never come across anyone who knew more about celebrating life than your dear wife and mother. It didn't matter if it were birthdays, weddings and then the births of her dear granddaughters; Linda enjoyed them all to their fullest. She taught me a great truth and that is to live in the moment. With us being just six months apart, she has always been there if only a telephone call or short ride apart. I miss her deeply. Longfellow wrote, "Sad...
Jim and Juanita Devine
April 04, 2007 | Farmington Hills, MI
Dear Don, Scott and Greg: Mere words cannot express our deep sadness on your loss. It's far too close to home. "The music has stopped!" Linda was the Hub of our T.C. Social Life...without her...nothing. Patti sez: "Linda never made a single negative comment about anyone," Our hearts and prayers continue to be with you. GOD Bless!
Nels & Patti Larson
April 02, 2007 | Lathrup Village/Interlochen, MI
We remember Linda....
"A giggle, a smile, a twist of the nose, A flash of red, and there she goes!"
....we will never forget her.
Farmington High School
Class of 1957
Kathleen Fendt
April 02, 2007
