Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Dona O'Sullivan Obituary
Dona was a former program manager with Jefferson Country and Louisville Metro Human Services.
Born October 25, 1947 in New York City, she attended high school in Coral Gables, FL and moved to Kentucky for college. She graduated from the University of Louisville and also earned a master's degree from Spalding University. Her first job as a social worker was with Kentucky's Department of Human Resources, where she met her husband, Had Burdick.
At Louisville Metro Human Services, Dona was a tireless advocate to reduce and prevent poverty and homelessness, leading many initiatives. She retired from Metro Government in 2008 but continued to serve Louisville's homeless community as an advocate and volunteer. At the time of her death, she served on the boards of the Coalition for the Homeless, St. John Center, Highlands Community Ministry, Winterhelp and the Affordable Energy Corporation.
A group of friends collaborated with Dona during her final days to establish a foundation to continue her work on behalf of the homeless in Louisville. The Dona O'Sullivan Fund to Fight Homelessness will focus on supporting professional case management services for the homeless.
In a letter outlining her hopes for the foundation, she wrote: "The issues that lead to homelessness-and the very trauma of being homeless-can disrupt lives so severely that housing alone is not the answer." Throughout her life, Dona was active in political campaigns. She also loved to travel and in recent years visited Ireland, Egypt, Peru, China, India, Thailand and her beloved Paris.
She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Had Burdick; two sons she adored, Trent and Kelly Burdick; her sister, Dee Brownell; and a host of supportive friends. The family wishes to thank Janell Seeger, M.D., for her care.
Visitation with family and friends will be held Friday, September 10, 2010 at 5 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 1826 Edenside Ave., where Dona was a member of the community for 26 years. A funeral Mass will follow at 6 p.m. and all are invited to gather after at Flanagan's Ale House, 934 Baxter Ave., for a wake to celebrate Dona's life and work.
Tax-deductible donations to the Dona O'Sullivan Fund to Fight Homelessness can be sent to The Community Foundation of Louisville, 325 W. Main St., Suite 1110, Louisville, KY 40202.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dona O'Sullivan
Teresa Smith
September 2, 2025
You were a tough but fair supervisor. We shared a love of Europe. You are missed/.
Rachel Beneke
July 28, 2011
At the time of her death, I was recovering from injuries from an auto accident. Altho it is my loss to not have been in touch all these years since my husband, Richard's death in 2003, I am sure it was provident I did not learn of this when it happened. I am stronger now, and so sorry to have lost my friend from college. Peace to all who worked with her, and her family, and all who loved her.
Donna Trabue
September 16, 2010
Dona's compassion for low-income and homeless persons was inspiring and continues to be beyond her passing. It was such a privilege to know her and to work alongside her. My deepest sympathies to her family and to the many who loved her.
Lora Henderson
September 10, 2010
"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded towards your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land" ~Deuteronomy 15:7-11
I am sure God has said to you Dona, job well done. I didnt know you long, but your passion and love of others was what gleemed from within.
All were blessed by you.
Lora Henderson
Dave O'Brien
September 10, 2010
As the years have gone by I have rarely seen Dona,but she will always be very special to me. We had many great times together. I dearly loved her and am sorry that she left us. Peace
Artie Robertson
September 9, 2010
Dona was one of the most caring and kind persons that I ever had the pleasure to know. We have lost one of our best. My deepest sympathy to Dona's family and friends.
John Nevitt
September 8, 2010
I am so saddened to learn of Dona's passing. I served with Dona on a variety of committees, and she was tireless in her efforts to help those less fortunate. In addition, she demonstrated remarkable courage and spirit in her battle with cancer. She will be deeply missed.
Edgardo Mansilla
September 8, 2010
Dona is an inspiration for our service at the Americana Community Center, where she served as Board member, friend, advisor. Her influence never will end, her example never will disappear. We celebrate her life.
Terry Smith
September 8, 2010
Dona, I have no words to convey the thoughts that I have for you and your family. Your actions rippled through the community and touched many people you never knew.
Like rock dropped into a still pond and one wave touches the next.
You will be missed.
Laura Albovias
September 8, 2010
Dona was an inspiration, a role model, and a friend. There are no words to adequately describe how much she will be missed. We are blessed to have had her in our lives.
September 8, 2010
Dona you will be missed, but we know you had a higher calling to go on home. I am sure you are looking down from heaven in support of the family and friends that look forward to joining you in your heavenly place someday. You are a champion and Louisville is better because of all that you did to support families and individuals. Now you get to be healed of all the pain and illness. Enjoy your heavenly body and know that your spirit lives on in those of us that you touched. Ron Jackson
A Louisville resident
September 8, 2010
I never met Dona, but reading about her life, I was inspired. Our community has lost a great woman. You have my prayers and sympathy.
Mary Jane Glauber
September 8, 2010
Louisville and the world have lost a great servant. We have lost a great friend. Dona will be missed.
Tammy Zukof
September 8, 2010
Dona was an inspiration to work with/for. She always thought of the clients first and had time to listen. I'll always remember the patience and generosity of her spirit.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Dona O'Sullivan's name
Memorial Events
for Dona O'Sullivan
How to support Dona's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dona O'Sullivan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
