Judy Ann (Buzzinoti) Burkett

Exhausted by the prospect of washing one more kitchen sink full of pots and pans, Judy Ann Burkett, 80, of Lower Burrell, decided that Thursday, October 23, 2025, would be different.
She and her soul set forth on what she called “her life’s greatest adventure.” 
Born in a two-room house in Lower Burrell, to Anthony Silvio (Buzzy) and Emily Buzzinoti on December 15, 1944, she was the middle child of five.
Judy graduated from Arnold High School in 1962, after which, she worked as a ballroom dance teacher at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Here, she cultivated dreams of a career in Latin dance. 
A fearless adventurer from the gate, a young Judy Burkett, (nee Buzzinotti), relocated to DC in this pursuit, which spanned a few years.
She later returned to this area and gave life to her two children. 
Mrs. Burkett channeled her passions into a flurry of directions. After a decade of secretarial work at Monarch Furniture in New Kensington, she detoured in pursuit of culinary intrigue by authoring a cookbook. 
“I need a new hat!” was her particular way of declaring the need for a new beginning. Resilient and courageous, she reinvented herself countless times with grace. Innately talented in sales, Judy landed a series of positions, finally finding a home within The Encyclopedia Britannica Company. After, thirteen years of unyielding persistence, all whilst being a single Mom, she was awarded for being the first woman in the US to sell 200 sets of these leather-bound-libraries in one year. Judy was a landlord, an accountant, and an imaginative seamstress.

Before retiring, Mrs. Burkett served as the Controller at the former Brackenridge Heights Country Club in Natrona Heights for eighteen years. 
Retirement gave her time to sell perceived treasures that delighted her on eBay.
The congregation of Valley Family Gospel Church in Springdale became her tribe, which she held close to her heart. A faithful member of the congregation, she served as “the soundman,” routinely recording Sunday services. She loved the LORD, and we’re warmed to know that she is now dancing the cha-cha and eating Jujyfruits in paradise.
Cherished Mom, Nana, Aunt, Sister, Sister-in-Law, Mother-in-Law, and lifelong friend....
We will all miss your warm cookies and apple pancakes, your fanciness and your faith….
your ruffled skirts and sense of fun, your humor and your cannelloni, 
your unwavering loyalty, and most of all, we’ll all miss your precious heart.

Surviving are her children, Dr. Zachary J. (Pamela Jean) Burkett of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Erin (Virgil Walters) Burkett of New Kensington; grandchildren, Isaac & Abagail Burkett; siblings, Janet (Raymond, dec’d) Romeo and Jenny (Gary) Gregory; cherished nieces and nephews, Jenna (Jason) Roberts, Domonick (Jackie) Romeo, Terri (Steve) Babyak, Michael Romeo, T.J. (Becca) Gregory, Sarah Paola, Emily Buzzinotti; and her beloved caretaker, Ashley Montgomery.
Besides her parents, Judy was preceded in death by brothers, John Buzzinotti and Joseph “Joey” Buzzinotti; and her 20-year companion, Carlie Mazero of Vandergrift.
Private arrangements were entrusted to ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD, of New Kensington.


WHILE THE FAMILY APPRECIATES YOUR KINDNESSES, THEY REQUEST THAT NO FLOWERS OR TREES BE SENT!!!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy Ann (Buzzinoti) Burkett, please visit our floral store.