Frances C. Burdick

96, of Jackson MI, passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at her home in Arbor North.

Frances was born in Jackson, the daughter of Polish immigrants, Frank and Florence Glinicki, on October 4, 1922. She was the youngest of five sisters and they grew up together behind the counter of of their father's grocery store at the corner of Pringle and Elm Avenue in the 1920's and 1930's.

Following graduation from St. Stanislaus Grade School and St. Mary's High School, Frances took a secretarial course at Jackson Junior College and became an employee of the JACKSON CITIZEN PATRIOT in the Classified Advertising Department.

In 1943, she began working as a legal secretary - a career which spanned more than 35 years at many law firms in the Jackson area. She was a member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church and a faithful member of the choir for over 30 years. She especially loved the Latin liturgy and Latin hymns.

She was a Scrabble enthusiast, playing regularly at home and in Scrabble tournaments throughout the state. Books were her constant companions, often re-reading those she considered exceptional. She was an avid Bridge player where she formed many long-time friendships. She also enjoyed grocery shopping, cooking and knitting.

Much to the delight of her family, she kept an active journal through much of her life, memorializing important moments, large and small. She loved to laugh and a good joke was never far from a conversation with her. She nurtured her Polish heritage and passed it on to the rest of us through songs, phrases and an occasional 'colorful' expression.

She cherished her life and all those who shared it with her. Most of all she inspired each of us with her unwavering positive outlook.

She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Willard E. Burdick, during which time God entrusted them with the raising of four daughters and five sons. She is also predeceased by her sisters, Phyllis (Simmons, Draper, Harris), Angela Dwyer, and Alfreda Hanchon.

She is survived by her children: Mike (Patty) Burdick of Grand Haven, Celia Schnebelt of Jackson, Jean (Rick) Savoie of Lansing, Patricia (Jim) Abbs of Colorado, Sue McConnell of Haslett MI, Steve (Karen) Burdick of Dexter, Frank (Kathy) Burdick of Ann Arbor, Christopher (Sandra) Burdick of Colorado and James (Kim) Burdick of Port Huron. Frances was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren: Joe, Michelle, Tony, TJ, Angie, Andy, Raeme, Karen, Tom, John, Natalie, Caroline, Kate, Julie, Scott, Amy, Sean, Erin, Anna and Jack as well as 19 great grandchildren. One sister, Florence Larrowe of Jackson survives as well as many nieces and nephews.

According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at Desnoyer Funeral home in Jackson on Friday, November 2 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm with a Vigil Service at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Queen's Church in Jackson on Saturday, November 3, starting at 11 am with her nephew and Godson, The Most Rev. Donald F. Hanchon Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation at https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/SPageNavigator/2017_donate_form.html