Veronica Burkett

Veronica “Sissy” Marie (Novak) Burkett, 62, formerly of Sugar Creek, MO, lost her eight-year battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on Aug. 18, 2010 at her home while surrounded by her loving family and devoted friend Diane Hall. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Sat., Aug. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1013 E. Lexington, Independence, MO; interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. The Rosary will be said at 6:00 pm, Friday followed by visitation from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Sugar Creek; St. Ann’s Catholic Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.
Veronica was born Jan. 4, 1948 to Mike and Helen (Haluska) Novak. She was the first baby born in Sugar Creek that year and received many gifts from local merchants. She was special from day one. She graduated from Van Horn High School in 1966 then became a loyal employee of Mo Pub (Aquila) for thirty years. She was a member of St Cyril’s Catholic Church and the Moose Lodge #10 in Sugar Creek.
On Sept. 7, 1972 she married the love of her life Ned Burkett. They enjoyed almost twenty-five years of marriage traveling to their lake home with their two poodles, Bitsy and Troubles. Going to the casinos was a favorite past time, laughing with friends, lunch with longtime childhood friends Linda and Leora. Veronica’s enthusiasm and knowledge for sports in general was expressed by being a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and all college sports.
Veronica had such a big heart and always thought and did things for others. Her smile and laughter were infections. She had a loving family and countless friends. Her strength, courage and kindness were an inspiration to many and will never be forgotten. The support she received from those family and friends will always be deeply appreciated.
Veronica had a strong faith in God which helped her through this long battle. We thank the Lord for blessing us with her love, care and gentle spirit. Our memories of her are our keepsakes from which we will never part.
Veronica was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Sharon and husband Ned. She is survived by brothers Dennis “Denny” Novak and Ron “Stilly” Novak; niece Diane Bruckner and husband Dan; nephew Dan Novak and wife Angie; her special aunt Ellen Novak; many cousins and her devoted friend Diane Hall.