Veronica Burkhardt Birdsong

Roni was born in Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida to Vincent L. and Sara Frances Burkhardt on February 4, 1940. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class from Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. She married the love of her life, Ray Stuart Birdsong, on October 7,1961, in Tallahassee, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University, and she worked as a secretary for Kempsville Meadows Elementary School in Virginia Beach, Virginia for more than 25 years.

Roni is proud of her Florida pioneer heritage. She is the great grandniece of Henry John Burkhardt, the last Barefoot Mailman, and the great-granddaughter of Louise W. Burkhardt, a municipal Judge, and the Mayor of West Palm Beach in 1902.

With Roni’s passing the world has lost a great friend, and one of the best cooks and bakers ever. In addition to enjoying cooking Roni was an enthusiastic Florida State Alumni, who enjoyed nature and bird watching.

Roni is preceded in death by her parents, Vincent L. and Sara Frances Burkhardt; her husband of 33 years, Ray Stuart Birdsong; her brother, Henry Michael Burkhardt, and her nephew, Vincent Lloyd Burkhardt.

She is survived by her sons, Scott Birdsong (Paula) and Vincent S. Birdsong (Robin); her two siblings, Vincent George Burkhardt (Sharon) and Margaret Cheryl Burkhardt and her sister--law, Marsha Stanhope Burkhardt Young, and numerous loving nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews; and dozens of close friends.

A private family Celebration of Life gathering will be held at date and time not yet determined.

If you wish to honor Roni’s memory you can make a charitable donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://donorservices.alz.org) or your favorite charity.