Donna Jean (Burtsfield) Bricker

Donna Jean Bricker, age 98, passed into her eternal rest on April 21, 2022.  Born to James and Nina (née Williams) Burtsfield of Girard, Ohio, she graduated from Girard High School and then went on to earn her BA and MSN before embarking on her career and domestic life.  She and her husband Fred Bricker (who she lost in 2005) were the parents of a beloved son and daughter, six adoring grandchildren, and nine adorable great-grandchildren.

            Jean was the devoted younger sister to Joy Burtsfield, who died at age 16 from cancer.  This impacted Jean’s life and steered her toward a nursing career.  She fulfilled that dream after graduating with a BA from Ohio Wesleyan and a Master’s in Nursing from Western Reserve’s Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Jean was also preceded in death by two half-sisters, Elizabeth Burtsfield and Marjorie Burtsfield Pelton. After graduation she married Fred, the love of her life.  Fred and Jean built a life together mostly in Chagrin Falls, where they raised their two children Robert Bricker and Barbara Elliott (Bob).  They left the area for 12 years to live in Racine, Wisconsin, but their beloved Chagrin Falls and family called them back in 1986.

Jean was known to everyone for her hospitality, kindness, deep abiding faith, and love of family.  She was a member of Bayview and The United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls, as well as numerous bridge clubs and potluck groups.   She was deeply rooted in UMC Chagrin Falls, often preparing meals for those who were ill and volunteering at other events to help the church.

Jean is survived by Rob, Barb, and Bob, as well as six grandchildren, Chris Bricker (Aliye-preceded in death); Julia Kacludis (Alex); Paul Elliott (Rachel); Ted Elliott (Michelle); Brian Elliott (Jean); Natalya Bricker and Nicholas Bricker, as well as her nine great-grandchildren Audrey and Avery Bricker; Beatrix and Violet Kacludis; Lucy Elliott; Mckenzie, Harrison, and Charlie Elliott; and Isla Elliott.  She was dearly loved and relished her role as Grandma Jean!  She will be sorely missed as a dear mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and as a tender and kind friend. 

A funeral service will be held at The United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls (20 S. Franklin Street) on Saturday April 30 at 1:00 with a receiving of friends to follow in the church Fellowship Hall.  Her burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to The United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls, Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing, or The City Mission of Cleveland. Arrangements by Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home Chagrin Falls, OH. www.stroudlawrence.com

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