Obituary of Maria M. Burcham

Maria M. Burcham, age 50 years, died suddenly on August 6 at Inspira Hospital, Mullica Hill. Born in Woodbury, NJ, she grew up in Washington Township, NJ where she enjoyed learning about science, fast-pitch softball, playing with her brother Anthony, and enjoying outdoor activities with her family. During these early years she and her family enjoyed taking trips to Cape May, Gettysburg, Kutztown, Bushkill Falls, and watching Phillies games. Maria attended Washington Township High School and then the University of Delaware, majoring in chemistry, where she met her future husband Loyd. She then completed a Master's in Chemistry at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. She worked as a chemist at Environmental Standards for a few years and then was employed as a chemist in various roles at ExxonMobil for 17 years. She had lived in Mickleton, NJ for the past 20 years, where family was always central to her life. With her husband Loyd, she enjoyed gardening, nature walks, Cape May vacations, watching British drama shows, swimming in the pool, and spending nice evenings outside on the back deck together. She was a creative crafter, loved cooking, and enjoyed playing video games, especially if they involved solving puzzles. She loved talking and joking with her brother Anthony and always had a special sibling bond. Holidays and birthdays were special times with larger family gatherings, and after her Mom passed she spent even more time with her Dad. Four years ago she was blessed with a daughter, Ella, whom she loved more deeply than words can describe. In these recent years, Maria, Loyd, Ella, Anthony, and father Bud (Pop-Pop to Ella) enjoyed spending lots of time together and taking special trips to special places like Longwood Gardens, the Philadelphia Flower Show, various Sunflower, Tulip, and Firefly Festivals, pumpkin picking, the beach, and many weekends in the swimming pool or watching shows together. Maria spread love and kindness wherever she went. She was a charitable giver and, in particular, was a frequent donor to Angels Community Outreach. Predeceased by her parents Carol and Clem (Bud) Mitchell, Jr. Survived by her husband of 27 years, Loyd J. Burcham, daughter, Ella, and brother Anthony Mitchell. Also survived by her aunt and uncle; Lydia and Robert Cross, Albert and Alison Keller, Jr., cousins; Jessica Keller, Elise Krogman, and Albert J. Keller III. Friends may call on Thursday from 9:00 to 10:45 AM in the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2384 E. Landis Ave, Vineland, NJ. Funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park. Those desiring may make contributions to Angels Community Outreach, 334 S. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071.