On July 18, 1988, the Burch family received the most precious gift … a late in life, unexpected little girl.  Brittany Judith was born into a family that couldn't have been more thrilled to have her.  With two smitten parents, a 17 year old sister, and an 11 year old brother, Britty easily took her role as the princess of the family.  Early on, she started missing milestones but the doctor told us to quit spoiling her so much.  "Let her get mad and fight a little bit."  We tried, but she still wasn't hitting the typical achievements.  It became apparent that our special little miracle was indeed, a little more special than we anticipated.

Britty lived at home until 2003, when her new home became the Bethesda Home in Watertown.  Mom and Dad would visit almost every day – often times to feed her dinner.  (Eating was ALWAYS her favorite pastime!)  Jenny and Nate each had homes of their own, but visited as often as they could.   Weeks at Grandma and Grandpa's always included memorable visits for Olivia and Quinn as well.   Often, Dad would bring her home for an overnight stay.  These visits always included Britty's favorites, a pontoon ride and a dinner of all of her favorites, lovingly prepared by Mom.  She settled into a good life at Bethesda – still with a doting family but now also with an exceptional health care team that took such good care of her.

In 2020, Dad died.  Britty came to the funeral and seemed to recognize him in his casket.  While I don't think she understood that he died, she certainly felt the hole that was left when he stopped visiting.  Sadly, Mom died six months later.

Over the next year and a half, her 110 pound little body lost over 30 pounds.  No one could find anything wrong with her but I know it was because she missed them.

Shortly after Mom's death, the Bethesda Home closed their Wisconsin homes and, in the middle of a health crisis, it was time to find a new home for Brittany.  After an unsuccessful move to Appleton, we found her a new home at Clearview Heath and Rehab in Juneau.

Richard and Mary would have been very pleased with Clearview.  Their exceptional love and care truly brought Britty back from the brink.  As of April, they had her solidly weighing in the 90's.  At each visit, it was obvious that they were truly angels here on earth.

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Brittany's 35th birthday, it was her turn to receive the most precious gift.  Britty got to meet Jesus and reunite with her parents and brother.  While it was very unexpected and we are devastated, I smile when I picture that reunion.  No more of her human frailities – just LOVE.

Brittany is survived by her sister, Jenny (Tim) O'Connell; special niece and nephew, Olivia and Quinn; and Godmother, Gale Gramoll and her family.  She is further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

With loving arms, her parents, Richard and Mary (Muenzer) Burch, and brother, Nathan, welcomed her into heaven.

Visitation will be held August 1, 2023 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) beginning at 12:00 noon until time of Mass at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating.  She will be buried between her parents at Holy Cross Cemetery in Kaukauna.

Brittany's family would like to thank the excellent caregivers at both Bethesda and Clearview.   We are so fortunate to have had you in Brittany's life.

Also, our gratitude goes to her social worker.  Cathy was always a strong advocate for Britt and helped us find Clearview.  We will be forever grateful.

Finally, a very heartfelt and special thank you to Godmother Gale.  Your love for us proves you don't need to be related to be family.  We love you!