Elizabeth Lillian (O'Connor) Burt

Elizabeth Lillian Burt was born at Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, January 7, 1953, to Thomas and Clarice (DesJarlais) O’Connor, the fourth of five children. 

Elizabeth passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2024, in the presence of loved ones.

Elizabeth was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith, of which she remained a devout follower her entire life.

Elizabeth grew up on the family farm in Cato, Wisconsin, where she learned the value of hard work. 

Elizabeth also discovered the joy of strong family bonds as she was raised by her parents; she was surrounded not only by her siblings, but also by those whom she deemed her “double cousins,” which was the result of two of the O’Connor brothers—her uncle Ervin, and her father—marrying two of the DesJarlais sisters—her aunt Mabel, and her mother. 

Elizabeth attended Valders High School and graduated as part of the Class of 1971. She remained friends with some of her classmates throughout her life, demonstrating the value she placed on friendship.

Following her graduation, Elizabeth joined the Women’s Army Corps in July of that same year on the “buddy system” with her older sister, Kathleen.

She received training as a combat medic at Ft. Sam Houston in Texas. Not long after, she was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Glee Allen Burt.

The couple married three months later at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clarks Mills, Wisconsin.

Upon exiting the service, Elizabeth challenged the State board of nursing for licensure based on her Army education and experience, and passed the exam on her first sitting. 

After her marriage, Elizabeth and her husband lived in several states, including Alaska, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Florida, before deciding to relocate back to Arkansas until the time came for her to retire.

After her retirement, Elizabeth and her husband moved to Virginia to spend time with their older daughter, and their oldest and youngest grandsons; she enjoyed the East Coast and as was her style, easily made friends wherever she went.

Elizabeth loved to travel, and her oldest grandson, Josh, was stationed overseas and invited her to come spend some time with him, so they could tour Europe together.

That trip fulfilled a lifelong dream she had of visiting Ireland, where her paternal roots run deep.

Through this trip and others, she was able to combine the things she loved—family and travel.

Elizabeth had an innate sense of wonder that made her a joy to be around.

She was a shining light to all those who were fortunate enough to know her, always presenting a sunny disposition, which she attributed in part to her parents’ personalities and her unwavering faith in God. 

Elizabeth was smart, witty, funny, and exceptionally kind. She had a caretaker’s heart and an ability to empathize with others that showed up in her everyday life, through her words and actions.

Elizabeth’s soft side was not her only one; she was bold, tough, strong, and determined as well. She made the best of every situation she encountered. 

Elizabeth fought hard in this life, and knew in her heart that greener pastures awaited her in the next one.

Elizabeth had an affinity for the elderly, which she said was most likely due to the fact that her own grandparents passed away before she was born. She used this sentiment in the service of others, working at several nursing home facilities over the years before she began her career with the Veterans Administration at Fort Roots, in North Little Rock, Arkansas—another place where she formed lifelong friendships.

Some of the values Elizabeth held dear were her faith in God, appreciation for time spent with family, and a strong work ethic.

In addition to her talent for getting along with others, Elizabeth was an artist, continuously working to improve her abilities by informing herself on the latest techniques.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, and two grandsons; Josh O’Connor and Timothy Burt.

She is celebrated by those who survive her including her husband, Glee; son, Thomas Burt (spouse Anna); daughters Jennifer McLean, and Amanda Ellis (spouse David); brother Dennis O’Connor (spouse Pam Felde); sisters Mary Rajek, Kathleen O’Connor (spouse Heidi Erdmann), and Connie O’Connor (partner John Kozelka); ten grandchildren—Matthew Burt, Ashley Burt, Gabriel Young, Jesse O’Connor, Clayvius Baker, Christopher Burt, DesJarlais Baker, Laura Smith, Carrie Young, and Lillian Ellis; three great-grandsons; as well as a large extended family, including cousins with whom she enjoyed very close bonds throughout her entire life.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. The Rev. Richard Klingeisen will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. She will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Clarks Mills. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM. The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer location of Kellnersville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

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