Nancy Grace (Riccobene) Burkard

Nancy Grace Burkard, age 89, of Columbia, MD, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Nancy's life was defined by deep love, unwavering resilience, and an enduring commitment to family. Her legacy extends across generations; she will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, radiant smile, and the strength that carried her through many challenges.

Born in Camden, NJ, November 27, 1934, Nancy was surrounded by the warmth of a large Italian family, rooted in the love of the Riccobene, Palumbo, and LaVerde families. Her childhood home at 32 New York Avenue in Washington, DC, was the heart of family life. Nancy was a tomboy, always fiercely protective of her younger sister, Stella, and deeply loyal to her brothers and parents. When Stella fell gravely ill with typhoid fever during World War II, her mother fearlessly petitioned the President and later the Vice President to get lifesaving penicillin during a time when the medicine was reserved for the military. This act of courage left a lasting impact on Nancy, teaching her the power of love, resilience, and determination—values she carried with her throughout her life.

After marrying Ranie Sturba, Sr., she lived in Morgantown, WV, embraced by the Sturba and DiPietro families. However, her heart longed for the city and the closeness of her family. A return to Maryland brought her to Bowie, where she raised her children, built lasting friendships, and crafted a full life, rich with laughter and love. Nancy’s professional life was one of efficiency and skill. She worked as a secretary for Systems Incorporated and later as an Administrative Secretary for The Pillsbury Company, where she was admired for her lightning-fast shorthand and meticulous attention to detail. She kept the entire sales team on their toes including her boss Dick Szymanski. After raising her family, Nancy divorced and later remarried Stephen Burkard and was embraced by the love of his extended family. She had a unique gift for holding the love of all the families and friendships she cherished throughout her life. Her warmth and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Nancy had a lifelong love of playing poker and mahjong with friends and enjoyed trips to casinos with family to play slot machines and cards. Cruising to Bermuda with her family was a vacation not to be forgotten by all. She cherished attending family reunions at the home of her late brother Tom and his wife Mary Riccobene, whose hospitality and generosity over the years meant the world to her. She strived to maintain loving relationships with all of her nieces and nephews and their blossoming families using the latest technology without hesitation or intimidation.

Nancy's life was deeply shaped by the values instilled by her parents: faith in God, strength, and an unyielding will to persevere. The fight for life was embedded in her family, reinforced by her father's legacy as a decorated World War I hero and equestrian soldier who defended the northern border of Italy. Her father's words, "Stay strong like a soldier," echoed in her heart throughout her life. This proud attribute resonated with Nancy, who never gave up and fought long and hard through many challenges, a testament to her strength that her family and caregivers witnessed until the very end.

When the end was near, her wish was to have her family around her bedside. We told stories laughing and crying at the same time. Growing up, one of our favorite places to be was crowded around a small kitchen table listening to the many stories of our family to have as lifetime memories secured deep in our hearts. We will honor her wish for a final gathering—a good ole' Italian meal where Nancy will undoubtedly take her place at the head of the table, just as the Lord did at The Last Supper. Her mother’s wisdom, “Pray to God to give you the strength to do what you have to do,” will continue to guide those who love her. Nancy’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and love. She touched the hearts of everyone she met and will be missed beyond measure. May her memory live on in the stories, the laughter, and the love she leaves behind. Family was Nancy’s greatest treasure, and her heart was full when surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind three children and their families: Tony Sturba and wife Beth, Stella Fanzone and husband Jim, and Ranie Sturba and wife Peggy, who carry her spirit forward with pride. Nancy embraced her two stepchildren, Richard Burkard and wife Dana, and Tim Burkard and wife Christine, as her own. A devoted grandmother, she loved her grandchildren and their spouses: Jason (Laura), Ava (Shane), Holly (Justin), Laura (Scott), Briana (Shawn), Nathan (Beth), Shannon (Zach), Eric (Ellen), Taylor (Kareem), Mason, Tristan, Hannah, Madeline (Curtis), Evan, and Michael, as well as her great-grandchildren Jacob, Marissa, Ranie, Emma, Lena, Miles, Lila, Scotty, Benny, Audrey, Kaleb, Mackenzie, and Priya. She is survived by her beloved sister, Stella Bullin, sister-in-laws Laverne and Mary Riccobene and joins in eternal rest her husband Stephen Burkard, cherished brothers and their spouses Joseph, John (Grace), Michael (Vivian), Thomas Riccobene, brother-in-law Melvin, her devoted parents Salvatore and Maria Riccobene, her grandsons Carmen Fanzone and Austin Summerville, and her daughter-in-law Katrina Sturba.

There will be a visitation at the Donaldson Funeral Home, 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville MD on Thursday, October 10th from 2-4:00pm and 6-8:00pm, with a full rosary prayer service at 3:30pm led by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church, 12500 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD on Friday, October 11th at 10:00am with a reception to follow. She will be laid to rest alongside her late husband, Stephen Burkard, at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd, Crownsville, MD; a burial service will be held at 1:45pm.