Longtime Black River Middle School Aide, Grandmother Dies at 79

Mary Burdette had a passion for teaching and loved playing bridge.

The longtime Chester resident died at the age of 79, according to her obituary.

Burdette was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and lived in Chester the last 39 years. She graduated the California Teachers College in California, Pennsylvania before becoming a math teacher at Lower Merion High School. When she moved to northern New Jersey, she became a library aide for Black River Middle School, a post she held from 1986 to 2010.

Burdette was active in the Community Presbyterian Church of Chester, serving as a Deacon. She also was an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs 30 years.

Burdette was predeceased by her husband, James, and survived by one son, three daughters, and 12 grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church of Chester or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements have been made by the Bailey Funeral Home of Mendham.

Subscribe to Mendham-Chester Patch’s free daily newsletter for more local news, and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox, by clicking here.