Barbara Burdick

Barbara Burdick, of Erie, passed away on June 20, 2025, after a brief battle with cancer.

A bright, beloved, blue-eyed daughter of William T. and Jean Brennan Herlihy, Barb was born on July 20, 1953, in New York, N.Y. She graduated from Mercyhurst University, where she earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She continued her studies at Gannon University, earning an M.Ed, in addition to a post-graduate certificate in Character Education.

Barb was passionate about learning and the well-being of children, and pursued a career in teaching, including at Villa Maria Elementary School, Head Start and Kindercare.

More recently, for 20 years she taught kindergarten at Wattsburg Area Elementary Center, where she was known as “Mrs. B.” She retired from the Wattsburg faculty in 2023.

Barb was a gifted educator whose kindness, compassion, wisdom, positivity and irrepressible sense of fun no doubt had a profound impact on any young student lucky enough to be assigned to her classroom. Her expertise, energy and encouragement also made her a revered mentor to the many student teachers she took under her wing.

Barb was a loving wife, the best possible mom and a doting “Nana” to her grandkids. Her smile was infectious; her laugh, like music; her spirit, irreplaceable. Her family, her former colleagues and a wide network of friends are devastated by her loss.

In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by sons Casey Brennan Burdick and Seth William Burdick; a brother, Thomas Herlihy, and a sister, Cathy Bowers (John).

Barb is survived by her husband, William R. Burdick, to whom she was married for nearly 49 years. She is also survived by her son, Jesse D. Burdick (Katie Hogan), of Pleasanton, CA.; her daughter, Rachel Burdick, of Charlotte, N.C.; as well as her grandchildren, Hannah and Nathan Cloninger; and Kaycie, Sophia and Beatrix Burdick; as well as Jake Cloninger.

Barb’s siblings, including Ellen Ball (Eddie); Lisa Johnson (Jamie); William Herlihy (Gloria); and Michael Herlihy; as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive.

The family is grateful for healthcare workers Vikki, Bobbie and Penny, and to Jon Bock, who all provided such excellent care to Barb.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 28th at Grace Church, 7300 Grubb Road, McKean from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at which time a short service will be held followed by refreshments and snacks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Barbara Burdick’s name to the Neighborhood Art House, 201 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16503.

Arrangements by the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W.26th St.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com