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Naomi gently passed away with some family members present, in Lambton Meadowview Villa, Petrolia, at the age of 101. Naomi then joined her husband, of 75 years, in heaven, celebrating and worshipping the Lord she faithfully lived for all her life. Naomi leaves behind 5 children, Ray (Anje) Burkhart, Becky (Bob)Woolvett, Erma Burkhart (Kathleen Holmes), Albert (Deb) Burkhart, and Barb Burkhart (Nadine Noseworthy), daughter-in-law Wendy Burkhart, 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Naomi was predeceased by her husband Orvie, Dec 1, 2023, son Robert, daughters Susan Wanner, and Esther, son-in-law Wayne Wanner and grandson Daryl Wanner. ‘Love is patient, Love is kind’…many have heard these words from the Bible. Naomi was the whole passage in visual form. The woman of Proverbs 31 also describe Naomi’s life, proving it is attainable, with the Lord Jesus’ help, day by day and year by year. Sweet memories of our Mother, on her mother’s old wooden rocker, while reading the Bible, remind us of the power behind her continued faith in God, and His lifelong faithfulness to her. Our parents didn’t have an easy life. The hard work raising 7 children during the 50s, 60s, and into the 70s, with all the ups and downs of life, showed that faith in the Lord can bring two people to a long marriage, in spite of the effects of her living with mental illness. No one can say one bad word about Naomi and she never said anything contrary about another person. We children could ‘rise up and call her blessed’ from a young age, receiving the love, kindness and patience she had for us. The name Naomi is in the book of Ruth in the Bible. It means ‘pleasant’ which she personified, to old age. 23 years in LTC endeared her to many folks and staff there. Her smile for others is remembered by all, extended family members included. Her joy of scooting the halls in her wheelchair at the Villa, all the while being pleasant will be missed. Naomi was raised on a farm in the Petoskey Michigan area, with two much older brothers and one sister about 2 years older. Naomi enjoyed writing poetry and had a passion for reading books into her senior years. She attended the Mennonite college in Goshen Indiana, where she played violin for a symphony. She also could play piano and keyboard ‘by ear’, and loved to sing. During WW11 she lived with her older brother and family in Detroit, where she worked in a factory making phones. Naomi met Orvie, a Mennonite from the Elmira ON area, while visiting relatives. Her father was from the area. They married in 1949, on her birthday. While living near Elmira she delivered meals at the Kitchener/Waterloo Hospital, then had their two boys. After a few years they moved to Bright’s Grove and raised 7 children. Along with the work at home, she helped neighbours as called upon, continuing to be of assistance to married children in her younger senior years. At the age of 78 Naomi became unable to walk without assistance so changed to the wheelchair and moved into the Villa. She adapted easily and was content to enjoy her new home. Orvie became her roommate five years ago, to her delight. Now they can roam heaven together! A private family service will be held.
Honour may be expressed through donations to Lambton Meadowview Villa Auxiliary, which is to help residents enjoy the Villa even more. Cheques only at the funeral home please or contact www.lambtoncares.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia. Memories and condolences may be sent at www.smithfuneralhome.ca
The Burkhart family would like the staff and volunteers at LMVilla to know they are greatly appreciated. The many years of loving and kind care have made pleasant years for Naomi. The professional care during the few days Naomi was in palliative stage, is heartfelt and moving for family involved. We will miss our parents but those who have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour will one day be with them forever
