Linda B. Burgde's Obituary
LINDA WAS BORN ON Oct. 5, 1941 in Newberry SC, the first of 5 children of Benett and Vinnie Bishop. The family moved to the Charleston area in 1944, where Linda graduated from Murray Vocational High School in 1960.
Linda took an administrative position with Westinghouse Corporation at the Charlston Naval Shipyard, where she met and married Lt. Ron Burdge on Dec. 27, 1965. They were blessed with two children, William Kelly, and Lara Ashley.
The next 7 years were for Linda were the typical challenging life of a Navy wife with children, as the family moved to Newport News VA, Bainbridge MD, and Pearl Harbor HI. Linda handled all the family duties, as Navy wives do, during Ron’s long at-sea deployments, A positive outcome of this demanding period was the forming of lifelong friendships with fellow Naval officers, and their wives,
In 1972 Ron left active duty. After a 3-year job in New York, the family moved to a wonderful community in Rockville Md, which would be their home for the next 20 years. On the tree lined Cul de sac, the family was surrounded by great neighbors, and plenty of playmates for the children. There Linda could put her gardening skills to work in the spacious backyard, while she also launched her own business, installing high end wall covering. Family traditions were established, like the family beach week on the NC Outer Banks. Linda and Ron enjoyed winter dive trips, all over the Caribbean with Ron’s Naval Academy roommate and his wife. (Linda didn’t dive, but found the great restaurants). There were also super international trips to the UK, France, and Italy, as well as frequent trips to Hawaii, where Ron’s Mother lived. The year always ended, by attending the beautiful presentation of the Messiah, at the Naval Academy Chapel, with special friends.
In 1997 Linda and Ron retired to Annapolis where they purchased a hillside fixer-Upper, with pool overlooking the Naval Academy and the Severn River, Linda put her design skills to work in a total renovation of the house, and beautifying the walled pool area and gazebo. In 2011 they moved to a little less demanding property, on a wooded acre, with an artificial stream. The home gave Linda another great opportunity to work her magic in the house and yard.
In 2020 Linda suffered a stroke, which caused a slow deterioration in health, including loss of mobility, and development of mild dementia. That trend accelerated last fall, resulting in two hospitalizations, before entering Hospice care.
Linda is survived by her husband of 60 years, her two children, two beautiful granddaughters, Ellie, and Hannah, and her 4 siblings.
We lost a beautiful, loving wife and Mother, but the memories that were made will bring continued joy for the rest of our lives.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?