Obituary of Prudence K Burkhart

Prudence K. Burkhart of Darien, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on February 13th 2024, after battling multiple illnesses over a long and trying time. Prudence was born on May 12th, 1953, the youngest of 4 children. Prue was the daughter of Alan D. Kattelle and Natalie O. Kattelle. She was raised in Darien along with her two sisters Candace and Ellen and brother Laurence and lived her entire life, with the exception of her college years, in Darien. She attended Public Schools in town and graduated from Darien High School in 1971. She was married to Michael H. Burkhart for 47 years. High school sweethearts whose love and devotion for each other remained with them always. Quite simply, they meant the world to each other.

After high school graduation, Prue attended Central Connecticut State College where she majored in Education, earning her teaching degree in 1975. Upon graduation she became a special education teacher at Cos Cob Elementary School in Greenwich, Connecticut. After taking some time off to raise her children, Prue went back to teaching. This time, at First Congregational Nursey School in Darien, where she spent 17 years. In this position she made many great friends among her teaching colleagues, while nurturing and guiding her students year after year. She loved her job and continued to teach until she and her husband Mike retired in 2007. Retirement brought many adventures for Prue and her family. She spent time on their boat, cruising the waters of Long Island Sound and beyond, as far as Maine. They enjoyed many trips to Bermuda, a place that always drew them back again and again. With family and friends, she spent many days and weeks at their log cabin and second home in upstate New York. Her favorite destination however was her family home on Monhegan Island, Maine. A home that goes back over 100 years in her family, where her grandparents lived their entire lives, and where her mother was raised. Throughout her life Prue found time to volunteer for various organizations including the Girl Scouts, the Garden Club at the D.C.A. house in Darien, or as a dedicated member of the "Salad Spinners," preparing salads each week for the community dinners at St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Darien where she was a church member. Without a doubt, Prue found her greatest joy in her family, spending time with her 3 children, their spouses, and her 7 grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of the Burkhart family, where she spread so much love and joy to each and every one of her family members.

Prudence was predeceased by her parents, and her 2 sisters, Candy and Ellen. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Burkhart, their 3 children, Michael R. Burkhart of Darien (Nicole), Daniel Burkhart of Easton, Maryland (Hannah) and Laurie Lambo of Darien (Christopher). She is also survived by her brother Laurence Kattelle of Gardner, Massachusetts. She leaves behind her 7 grandchildren who she loved dearly and who adored her, Myra, Brynn, Tyler, Natalie, Isabelle, Georgia, and Danielle. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may pay their respects at the Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Boston Post Road, Darien, CT, on Monday, February 19th, from 4PM-8PM. A private family burial service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Prue's name to Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association (MISCA) at http://www.miscainfo.com/about-us.html