Nancy A. Burkard

Of East Amherst, NY. Loving wife of Edward A.; devoted mother of Randall E. (Christine), Kathleen A., Judy L., Jeffrey A., and Thomas M. (Lesley); loving grandmother of Katie, Brett, Neal, Ryan, Jared, Jessica, Natalie, Nolan, Emma, and Ethan; great grandmother of Ella, William, and Beckham; dear sister of Judy Byler. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Family present for visitation on Thursday, August 7, from 1-3:30 pm and 6-8 pm at the DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 8, 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Church, Swormville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation of WNY, Greenfields Nursing Home in Lancaster, or Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.denglerrobertspernaeastamherst.com

Nancy’s Journey

Nancy Ann Burkard (nee Maybach) was born in 1939 in Clarence Center, New York, to her loving parents, Kathryn and Milton. She grew up alongside her younger sister, Judy, in a warm, faith-filled home. From a young age, Nancy’s heart was connected to God. She cherished her Sunday school lessons and held close the scriptures and stories that shaped her understanding of faith.

One of Nancy’s earliest expressions of faith was both simple and profound. On family drives into Buffalo to visit her Aunt Suzanne, young Nancy would write scripture verses on little slips of paper and toss them out the car window—hoping a passerby might find one and be uplifted by the Word of God. Even then, she was quietly planting seeds of hope wherever she could.

At just 16 years old, Nancy met Edward Burkard at Weseman’s Dairy Bar in Clarence Center. They may have seemed like an unlikely pair at first, but each of their individual qualities made a great match. Edward’s outgoing and spirited persona was a perfect complement to Nancy’s quiet, strong nature. Their marriage became a beautiful testimony to love, commitment, and mutual respect, lasting over 65 years.

They built a life filled with love and family. Nancy and Edward have five children, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Nancy brought warmth and fun to family life—singing “You Are My Sunshine” to the grandkids, playing countless games of Sorry! (her favorite) and blessing everyone with her homemade Fastnacht doughnuts and chicken and biscuits, both treasured family traditions.

Though gentle in nature, Nancy had a quiet strength and a sharp wit. She had a playful sense of humor—crafting funny “Roses are red, violets are blue” poems—and loved tending her garden. Often, she was found pouring over gardening books looking for new varieties for the following year. Her special love for flowers attracted hummingbirds and butterflies; small reflections of beauty that brought her joy.

As her children grew older, Nancy found new ways to deepen her faith. She worked in the office at St. Mary’s Church, participated in the very first Christ Renews His Parish retreat, attended Bible school, and completed a four-year degree in Biblical studies. Many mornings, Nancy could be found with a cup of coffee in her favorite chair, reading her bible.

Family traditions were simple but meaningful. Monday nights usually included a gathering to watch Little House on the Prairie, a show that was representative of her faith and values. Her family never missed church, prayed together before every meal, and at bedtime. They grew up with her gentle but steady reminders that God was always walking with them. Her grandmother was a Mennonite, and Mom had deep admiration for the rich, faithful heritage of the Mennonite traditions.

One of Nancy’s greatest passions was genealogy. The family called her “Super Sleuth” for her love of family history. She traced our roots back to the 1500s, traveling far and wide in search of stories and records. The highlight of her research was a visit to the Maybach hometown of Lowenstein, Germany. She was able to locate a Maybach relative and spend an exciting day bonding over genealogy documents. She was delighted to discover that her research matched her relatives’ records.

In all things, Nancy was faithful—to her God, to her family, and to her beloved Eddie. Her life was a legacy of love, strength, devotion, and quiet wisdom. She leaves behind not only cherished memories but a living testament to what it means to walk with the Lord—with humility, grace, and unwavering belief.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement but has passed from death to life.

-John 5:24