Barbara E. Burdeau

After graduating from high school, Barbara moved to Washington, D.C., to begin her career. In 1953, she married her first-grade sweetheart, Edward Burdeau, immediately following his graduation from West Point. From that day forward, they began a life of travel and service to their nation. From Alaska to Hawaii and on to Germany, they moved over 30 times in their life together, collecting not just memories but lifelong friends from around the world.

Barbara lived a life of caring and service, devoting herself wholeheartedly to her family. Her greatest pride and most cherished accomplishment was the full and meaningful life her beloved daughter, Amy Burdeau, was able to build. Barbara was Amy’s fiercest advocate and unwavering supporter, ensuring that love, opportunity, and joy surrounded her every step of the way.

Following Ed’s retirement from the U.S. Army, Barbara and Ed embarked on yet another adventure, moving to New Hampshire to purchase a small motel in Alton. There, Barbara embraced a new chapter—learning to run a business while discovering a love for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. She tackled every challenge with her characteristic energy and determination, making their motel a welcoming retreat for visitors while immersing herself in the beauty of New England’s winters.

In 1998, Barbara and Ed returned to their beloved Pennsylvania, settling in Lancaster to be closer to their daughter, Amy. After Ed’s passing in 2011, Barbara chose to move to St. John Herr Estate in 2016, where she found a new source of joy and companionship with her dear friend, Paul Long. Together, they shared years of friendship, purpose, and happiness, bringing comfort and laughter into each other’s lives.

Barbara will be remembered as a fighter with a soft heart—determined, loving, and always willing to lend a hand. She was a talented cook and entertainer, loved to read and learn, and enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She took great joy in supporting her son’s basketball teams and later her grandson’s wrestling teams, ensuring they were warm with custom hand-made winter caps. Always up for something new, Barbara especially loved playing games of any kind, embracing the fun and competition with enthusiasm.

A lifelong lover of animals, Barbara had many pets over the years, each bringing her immense joy. While she cherished them all, she held a special place in her heart for her final pet, a sweet and loyal Shih Tzu named Max.

Barbara is survived by her son, Steven Burdeau of New Hampshire; her daughters, Cathy Upton (Phil) of Glen Burnie, MD, and Amy Burdeau of Millersville, PA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: DJ Lissau (Sarah), Jake Lissau, Kristie L. Courtney (Jimmy), Alexandra Burdeau, Zach Burdeau (Jordan), Nick Burdeau, Ken Upton, and Julie Upton Malinauskis (Paul). Her eight great-grandchildren: Travis Lissau, Victoria Lissau, Xander Courtney, Paxton Courtney, Leah Upton, Kenneth Upton Jr., Parker Malinauskis, and Penelope Burdeau.

Barbara was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Edward Burdeau, and by her daughter, Nancy Burdeau.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friendship Community, 1149 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543.

Barbara’s legacy of love, kindness, adventure, and resilience will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.