Date of Service:
January 24, 2026
Date of Interment:
January 24, 2026
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Mary D. Burkhardt, age 94, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on January 5, 2026.
Mary was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on November 13, 1931. She left the town of Manasquan, New Jersey and moved to Vero Beach, Florida in 2016. Mary retired from Manasquan High School in Manasquan, N.J. where she was the athletic director’s secretary for 25 years. She was Vic Kubu’s right hand woman. Mary was also a member of the Manasquan Elks alongside her husband, Bob.
She was a graduate of Saint Mary’s High school in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1948. Mary had a fondness for the beach, gardening, birds and their lovely songs, playing cards, trips to Atlantic City casinos, and all things Irish, (especially Guinness and Baileys).
Mary was predeceased by her husband, Bob Burkhardt. Her parents, Francis and Eleanor Downey, sisters Eleanor Marino and Jean Cogan, brother Skip Downey and a grandchild, Ryan Richey.
Mary is survived by her four sons, John Richey, Fellsmere, FL, Dan Richey (Audrey) Vero Beach, FL., Bob Richey (Michele) Vero Beach, Fl., Kevin Richey (Sherry) of Manasquan, NJ., daughter, Lynn Height (Rick) of Pinehurst, NC., and 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
A special thank-you goes to Dr. Posk of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, VNA Hospice of Treasure Coast, and April from Hummingbird Care.
A Memorial Service will be held at Orender Funeral Home in Manasquan, NJ on January 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with immediate interment at Atlantic View Cemetery in Manasquan, NJ.
Memorial contributions can be made to the VNA Hospice Foundation, their website is foundation.vnatc.com
Local arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. Northern arrangements are by Orender Funeral Home, Manasquan, NJ.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Jim & Wanda Bowen - Neighbor
January 8, 2026, 5:52 pm
Wanda and I lived across the street from Mary. She was a beautiful person who loved her family and cherished their time together, especially her son Bob ( Bobbie), who lived next door. Bob was devoted to his Mom, visiting her every single day and fixing a multitude of “honey dos,” with never a complaint. My favorite memory of Mary will be the photo that accompanies this notice – Mary holding a Guinness (what else !) with a big smile on her face! RIP Mary, we miss you!
Brian Korner - Grand-Nephew
January 8, 2026, 8:30 pm
Rest in Peace Aunt MaryLou. The last of a fine family of human beings.
Paul Genke - Friends of the family
January 8, 2026, 9:30 pm
MaryLou, it was wonderful to know you especially sharing our Irish heritage on St. Patricks day over a couple, or more Guinness. Rest in peace. Paul and Lila
Hiram and Nancy Acevedo - Neighbor
January 9, 2026, 5:37 pm
Deepest condolences to your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all on your loss. May she rest in ever lasting peace.