After more than nine decades in devotion to the Lord, Melba M. Burbank of Clearwater, Fla, has returned to the arms of her heavenly Father. On January 14, 2021, Melba passed peacefully of natural causes while at Suncoast Hospice near her home of nearly 40 years. Preceded in death by her husband Marshall E. Burbank, Melba was 97.
Always ready to share her beaming smile and offer a gracious welcome to all around her, Melba will be remembered for her endearing kindness, generosity and warmth of spirit. As a longtime member and Sunday school teacher at North Dunedin, Fla., Baptist Church, Melba lived her life with the insight, wisdom and affection attributed to the third chapter of the Proverbs that she would often quote: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Melba was born to Ambrose and Emelia Frascino on August 6, 1923 in New York City. Trained as a professional nurse with a long career in the medical field, she also worked on Wall Street, in real estate and was a hospital chaplain in her life’s journey. Her hobbies have included a broad range of interests, including reading, gardening and aviation. She traveled extensively in her later years, including visits to the Fiji Islands and Bermuda. Melba is survived by her three step-children, Kim S. Burbank of Fort Drum, NY; Sarah (Keith) Fady of Seminole, Fla.; Jotham (Gail) Burbank of Maitland, Fla.; her nephews Tom (Maryjane) Frascino of Ponce Inlet, Fla.; Bill Frascino of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; five grandchildren and one great grandchild; 16 grand and great nieces and nephews. As Melba would teach every Sunday to her students of faith during the many years in service to her church, quoting from the Gospel of John:
“Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
A private funeral service will be broadcast online via Facebook Live, Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 3pm. To view the service: https://www.facebook.com/northdunedinchurch/
Flowers or donations to North Dunedin Baptist Church are welcome in the memory of Melba M. Burbank:
1595 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698.
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