Kathleen M. Burchell

Kathleen M. Burchell, 84, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Wednesday at Upstate Community Hospital.

A lifetime resident of Syracuse, Kathleen was deeply committed to serving her community. She worked with the Arthritis Foundation as an aquatic instructor, where she helped improve the health and well-being of countless individuals, and she generously volunteered her time with the Laubach Literacy Program, sharing her passion for education and empowerment.

Kathleen was a devoted member of Fairmount Community Church, United Church of Christ, and the Women’s Club, where she formed many lasting friendships and remained actively involved for many years.

In her free time, Kathleen found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gardening, fishing, and camping, and especially cherished time spent outdoors surrounded by nature. She also loved sharing special moments with her grandchildren, from ice skating and swimming to teaching them how to drive, and taking them on trips to Cape Cod, Niagara Falls, NYC, and beyond. Her gentle spirit, kindness, and dedication to others will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Kathleen’s life was one of service, compassion, and quiet strength, and she will be deeply missed.

Kathleen was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Everett, in 2025; parents, Melbourne and Viola Raymond; parents-in-law, Robert and Eula Burchell; sisters-in-law, Kathleen and Elizabeth Raymond, and Brenda Burchell; and brothers-in-law, Donald Hausner, and Robert and Herbert Burchell.

Surviving are her daughter, Michele (Michael) Santa Barbara of Memphis; son, Keith (Karen) Burchell of Camillus; grandchildren, Dr. Alessandra (Patrick) Goodfellow, Kelly (Joseph) Curro, Jeremy (Nicole) Santa Barbara and Kevin (Cheylene) Burchell; great-grandchildren, Natalya Goodfellow, Lilyanna Curro, Joey Curro, Giavanna Santa Barbara, Chandler Burchell, Sofia Santa Barbara, and Kwynn Burchell; sister, Shirley Hausner of Baldwinsville; brothers, Ronald Raymond of Camillus and Allen (June) Raymond of Baldwinsville; sister-in-law, Nancy Burchell; nieces, nephews; an aunt, and cousins.

To celebrate Kathleen’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Kathleen will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hodgkins International, 47 N. William St., Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or Honor Flight Syracuse, P.O. Box 591, Syracuse, NY 13209, or to CNY SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.