Grace M. Burge

Warren Grace Burge, 87, passed away Saturday September 23, 2017 at St. Joseph's Select Specialty Hospital in Warren, OH. Grace was born Grace Marie Ware on April 24, 1930 in Warren, OH, a daughter of the late Homer and Pearl Ware. She was a proud, lifetime resident of Warren and a 1948 graduate of Warren Harding High School. Just days after graduating from high school, Grace secured a position at Ohio Lamp, where she remained until her retirement after 44 years of service. Grace was known as a hard worker with a heart of gold; volunteering her time and service for many years to various organizations. While at Ohio Lamp, she served as a union officer, bowling team captain, and treasurer of the Ohio Lamp 20 Year Club. In addition, she was a long time blood donor and worked for the Trumbull County Elections Board as a poll worker. The friendships that she made at Ohio Lamp became life-long and she treasured them as though they were extended family. In 1948, she met the love of her life, Reginald Burge, and they married in June of 1951. They were a dynamic couple who loved boating and traveling. They were members of the Oakes' Mosquito Yacht Club and frequent faces on Anderson bus trips. For several decades, there were season ticket holders at Youngstown State University football games, where they enjoyed cheering on their Penguins at The Ice Palace. No matter the activity, Grace and Redge did it together. Their marriage was an enduring bond that lasted for 65 years until Redge's death on May 20, 2017. And now it seems, with the pair's death coming only four months apart, they wished to take that final journey together as well. It is when Grace contracted a rare form of pneumonia in 2015, however, that she displayed her true depth of character. She fought her way back to health when few would believe it was possible. She went from being on a ventilator, having to re-learn how to walk, to returning home to live with Redge. Her family considered "Aunt Grace" a marvel, and will never forget her rare blend of warmth and strength. Her life will remain an example that has lodged in everyone's hearts. She will forever be missed. In addition to her husband, Reginald, Grace was preceded in death by her four brothers, Ralph, Donald, Roy and James Ware; as well as two sisters, Hazel Wright and Goldie Eloph. Grace is survived by her brother William Ware of Warren. She is also survived by her brothers in law Bruce (Edith) Burge of Southington, Malcolm Osmer of Pine Bluff Arkansas, and Don Bowling of Napa, California; sister in law, Grace Fairchild of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews, many of whom were devoted to her, lending her and Redge their assistance since her health crisis. In keeping with her generous spirit, Grace herself dictated that the following individuals be thanked in her tribute: She wishes to "thank all of her wonderful nieces and nephews" that stood by Redge and herself. In addition, she wished to extend her gratitude "to the staff workers at Heather Hill in Chardon and all of the wonderful nurses and their support at St. Joseph/ Mercy Hospital." And, she would like to thank all her caregivers from Home Instead, who assisted in her home and finally, a special thank you to Dr. Richard Hart and his staff who provided her with care for so many years. Friends and family will gather from 5-7:00PM on Friday September 29, 2017 at Lane Family Funeral Homes Roberts Clark Chapel, 180 Garfield Dr. NE Warren, OH 44483 and one hour prior to services from 10-11:00AM on Saturday September 30, 2017 with a service to celebrate her life and memory at 11:00AM at the funeral home. Friends and family may send their heartfelt condolences by visiting www.robertsclarkchapel.com