Suzanne Lynn Burden

September 15, 1948 – April 21, 2025

Suzanne “Sue” Burden, our beloved Dancing Queen, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Born on September 15, 1948, in the picturesque town of Frankfort, Michigan, Sue was a radiant soul whose energy, love, and warmth danced through every chapter of her life.

Sue spent her early years growing up in Manistee and Bear Lake, Michigan, where the small-town charm and natural beauty helped shape her spirited, grounded, and loving nature. These roots stayed with her throughout her life, no matter how far she traveled or how big the stage. Over the years, Sue built a beautiful life in Florida, calling Cocoa, Titusville, Kissimmee, and Clermont home. In every place, she created connection, community, and memories that danced with joy.

Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Chief Petty Officer Gary D. “Pee Wee” Burden; her cherished son, John P. Burden; her parents, Earl K. Overla and Waneta Pearl (Dorn) Overla; and her dear brothers, Russell K. Overla and Gary J. Overla.

Sue’s legacy lives on through the rhythm of her vibrant family. She is survived by her loving children Richard Prowdley (Billie), Donna Rosky (William), and Diane Gawrys (Brian). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Jesse Fox (Jaymi), Chelsea Hewitt (Brandon), Gabriel Burden, SOS Ian Morton, Austin Gawrys (Baylee), PFC Jadda Burden, John Burden Jr., Bobby, and SrA Dustin Gawrys. Sue was also the great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren: Ariabella, Tristan, Kalliope, Leona, and Mikhail.

She is also survived by her treasured siblings: Wayne Overla (Sally), Patricia Faubert (Jim +), LaRaine Duchon (Larry), Nancy Overla (Evert), Jimmie Overla (Cindy), Kenneth Overla (Connie), Joni Markiewicz, Shari Groenwald (Bryan), and Debra Overla, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones who made her feel like her own, especially her best friend, Patty Newman.

To know Sue was to witness joy in motion.

She didn’t just walk through life; she glided, she twirled, she shone. From line dancing with Cathy’s Dancing Angels to bowling strikes with laughter at River Lanes, to dazzling at the Indian River Festival in sparkly attire and bright smiles, Sue brought rhythm to every room and light to every moment. Known as “the dancing lady,” Sue was more than a performer; she was a bringer of joy, a spreader of smiles. Her moves were legendary, and her spirit—infectious.

To her family, she was the one and only Dancing Queen—leading not just on the dance floor, but in life, with strength, love, and courage. Sue’s path was not without storms, yet she met each one with unshakable grace. A two-time cancer survivor, she conquered both breast and lung cancer with elegance, fire, and fierce determination. Even a motorcycle accident, enough to still the feet of most, could not silence the music in her soul. She rose again: resilient, radiant, and ready to dance on.

Sue lived a life rich in adventure. She traveled far and wide with her daughters, sisters, and dearest friends—embracing every journey with open arms and an open heart. She turned strangers into friends and friends into family. Her laugh was unforgettable, her stories heartwarming, and her hugs could chase away even the darkest of days.

In her community, Sue’s presence was equally strong. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, a Lifetime Rider with the American Legion in Titusville (where she and Gary found yet another family), and a Lifetime Member of the VFW. Always active, always giving, Sue believed in service, in sisterhood, and in leaving behind a little shine wherever she went.

Professionally, Sue held many roles throughout her life, but her time at McDonnell Douglas, where she worked on the Tomahawk program as a concierge specialist, was especially meaningful. In the 1980s, she co-founded Ms. Cleaning Service, a business partnership built on grit, heart, and hustle. Her first big job, cleaning every unit at Sunrise Landing Condominiums, was a family affair with her twin daughters right beside her. Sue’s entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impression on the community she served.

But Sue was always more than her titles. She wasn’t just a mother or grandmother; she was a mentor, a friend, and a second mom to countless others. Her home was always open, and her love was unconditional. And though we feel the ache of her absence, we also feel her rhythm still—soft as a memory, strong as a heartbeat.

Sue lived her life as a dance: bold, beautiful, and breathtaking. She didn’t just sparkle, she shone. She didn’t just live, she lit the world. And her light will never dim.

So as we say goodbye to Suzanne, we imagine her now, twirling freely among the stars, reunited with her loved ones, dancing with grace and laughter in the heavens above. And just like she always said: “Don’t be sad for me. Just dance.”

Last Ride

The American Legion Post 359 will be honoring Sue with her Last Ride before the memorial service. Her ride will begin at the Post and proceed to the cemetery—a final journey filled with love, remembrance, and the pride of a life well-lived.

Services

A funeral service in honor of Sue will be held at Brevard Memorial Park, 320 Spring Street, Cocoa, FL 32927, on Saturday, May 17th, at 2:00 PM.

Celebration of Life

Join us as we celebrate Sue’s vibrant spirit and beautiful life at a Celebration of Life on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the American Legion Post 359, 7260 S US Highway 1, Titusville, FL 32780. Come ready to share memories, dance to her favorite songs, and raise a glass in her honor. The room will be filled with music, love, and laughter—just the way Sue would have wanted.

A note on attire: Please leave black at home. Wear your brightest red, white, and blue (with a little sparkle!) to reflect the colors Sue loved most and her deep pride in the USA.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to bring a dish to share—just like Sue always did. She believed that food and laughter brought people together. Donations in Sue’s name can also be made to American Legion Post 359, where she found joy, purpose, and a true sense of community.