Genevieve "Gigi" Burcham McKnight

She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. James B. Burcham and Sara Huffman Burcham, her two loving husbands Michael Campe and James High, and step-daughter Carrie Marie High-Wittekind.

She is survived by her sister Melinda Burcham (Lima), a step-daughter, Morgan High-Orgain (Bob), four step-grandchildren, Maury, Mada, Drew, and Charlee. She is also survived by her dog Suzy and her cat Tish that she loved so very much. They both have new homes. Gigi is also survived by a small band of friends that she came to call "her people". She loved them all.

Gigi graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Indiana in 1964. She was a very proud graduate of Duke University (68) where she earned a bachelor's degree in education with certification to teach those with special needs. Upon graduating she began her teaching career in Atlanta, Georgia. She returned to Indiana where she earned her master's in education at Indiana University, Bloomington (72). At IU, Gigi continued in working with special needs students and gained her administrative licensure. She was also in the PEO Chapter O in Gary, Indiana, and the Tri Kappa Sorority.

Gigi left the classroom reluctantly to take a position with the Indiana Department of Education where she worked to improve special education services throughout the state of Indiana. Gigi left the Indiana Department of Education to become the Director of Special Education at Silvercrest Children's Development Center until her retirement.

Throughout her life she belonged to several organizations devoted to making the lives of others better. She was both a pioneer and a champion to equal educational opportunities to those with special needs.

Gigi was lifelong avid reader. She was an excellent cook. She loved to garden and was a general lover of nature and all animals.

Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana is handling her arrangements. A funeral service and burial will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until her service that will take place 12:00 pm Tuesday in the funeral home chapel. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, a celebration of Gigi's life will be held at Kraft Funeral Service from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society, WHAS Crusade for Children, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, or Wayside Christian Mission.