Vera Mae Burchett

March 7, 1963 – July 14, 2025

Vera Mae Burchett (née Massey) passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, in Lone Tree, Colorado, at the age of 62, surrounded by love. A devoted wife, mother, and friend, Vera lived life to the fullest and leaves behind a legacy of joy, strength, and unwavering compassion.

Born in Tacoma, Washington, Vera’s early life was shaped by her father’s proud service in the United States Air Force. His military career took their family across the world—from Tacoma to Taiwan, then Norway, before finally settling in Oklahoma City, where Vera graduated from high school and attended college. She carried a deep love for Norway and often spoke fondly of her time there, maintaining cherished friendships from those years throughout her life. Vera built her adult life in Houston, Texas, and later in Lone Tree, Colorado—a place she dearly loved.

Vera was a skilled accountant and controller, admired for her integrity and dedication. But it was her spirit—not her title—that left the deepest imprint. Vera’s faith in Christ shaped every part of her life, guiding her actions, her values, and the love she gave so freely.

Proud of her Japanese heritage, Vera carried the quiet strength, grace, and resilience passed down from her mother, Hozue. She honored her roots not through words, but through the way she lived—with dignity, loyalty, and a gentle but unshakable spirit.

Vera’s strength was tested in ways few could imagine. She overcame breast cancer with fierce determination, and shortly after, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. She faced both battles with unshakable dignity, quiet courage, and a positive spirit that never wavered. She never complained—not once—and met each day with grace, hope, and love.

To know Vera was to love her. Her warm smile, kind heart, and open, approachable nature made everyone feel seen and safe. She never met a stranger—only friends she hadn’t gotten to know yet. Whether defending the underdog, offering a listening ear, dancing to her favorite country songs, or singing along at concerts, Vera gave life her whole heart. She filled the air with her infectious laughter, always choosing kindness over conflict—never once raising her voice in anger.

She found joy in music, dancing, yard work, beach days, and especially in being a proud mom—never missing Kylie’s track meets or the boys’ hockey games. She often said, “Don’t worry—be happy,” and truly believed everything happens for a reason.

Vera is survived by her husband, Johnny Burchett; her daughter Kylie Myers and husband Thomas; sons Austin Fitzgerald and wife Sarah, and Tanner Fitzgerald and wife Mylaura; and her stepson Jonathan Burchett and wife Jennifer. She adored her grandchildren: Dakota, Eve, Cameron, Tommy, River, Maya, and Shiloh—each a light in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Hozue Massey, and her brother Roy.

In accordance with Vera’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. She is being cremated, and a private family memorial will be held later this year, upon her son’s return from military deployment in Japan. Friends in Houston and Oklahoma City will be hosting Celebration of Life gatherings in her honor.

She gave more than she took, loved more than she asked for, and left this world brighter than she found it—gracefully, gratefully, and deeply loved.

“For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” —Psalms 56:13