Nancy Jane Burbage, devoted to community
Nancy Jane Burbage, 90, a lifelong resident of Lewes, and later Ocean Breeze, Fla., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in Stuart, Fla. She was the cherished daughter of the late Moulten B. and Blanche M. Joseph.
Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard Stratton Burbage, who passed in 2001. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Rufus W. Joseph; and her dear companion, Bobby Robinson.
A proud graduate of Lewes High School Class of 1952, Nancy went on to attend Goldey-Beacom College. Throughout her career, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for several small businesses throughout Delaware and served as the secretary for the lieutenant governor of Delaware, Eugene Bookhammer.
Nancy was deeply committed to her community and spent countless hours volunteering for causes close to her heart. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Henlopen Grange No. 20, Delaware State Grange, Job’s Daughters, and the Eastern Shore Republican Club. Additionally, she served with the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion in both Lewes and Oak Orchard, and was involved with numerous camping clubs. Notably, Nancy played a key role in the founding of Meals on Wheels in Lewes, volunteered regularly for the Blood Bank of Delaware, and worked the polls during many elections.
Nancy is survived by her three children, Debra B. Dempsey of Ocean Breeze, Fla., Mark W. Burbage (Karen) of Portsmouth, Va., and Brenda B. Jones of Lewes. She also leaves behind her four grandsons, Andrew S. Jones (Emily), Connor D. Jones (Alex), Mark Burbage (Brooke) and Collin Burbage; and her three great-grandchildren, Cooper and Parker Burbage, and Parker Jones.
A Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 16, at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Nancy’s memory to a charity of choice.
To share memories or offer condolences, visit Nancy’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
