BETTY A BURCH's Obituary
Betty A. Burch, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, of Federalsburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones. Born on February 8, 1946 in La Plata, Maryland, as one of 16 children, she was the daughter of George H. Alvey and Martha E. Alvey, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up living and working on a tobacco farm and attended La Plata High School. Betty had a 22-year history working at the laundromat in La Plata, as well as one in Waldorf while living in Charles County. After moving to St. Mary’s County, you could find her working at the Charlotte Hall Veteran’s Home, and the deli at Food Lion. In 2007, Betty moved to the Eastern Shore where she lived out the rest of her life, making hundreds of new friends, some of which became her family. Betty loved spending time with her family and friends, babysitting the neighbor’s children, thrift store shopping (or shopping in general), walking, dancing, and feeding any birds, squirrels, and stray cats that came her way. She was a woman whose spirit lit up every room she entered. She was truly one of a kind- warm, wonderful, full of laughter that could turn any ordinary moment into something special. Betty had a gift for making people feel at home. Whether it was through her kind words, her sense of humor, or simply her presence, she brought comfort and joy to everyone lucky enough to know her. She had a playful spirit and quick wit, always ready with a joke or a smile that could brighten even the hardest days. Dancing was one of her greatest joys in life. She didn’t just dance; she lived through it. Whether it was in the kitchen, at a family gathering, or anywhere else music was playing, she moved with a happiness that was contagious. In those moments, you could see her heart completely free, joyful, and full of life. Above all, Betty loved deeply. Her family and friends meant everything to her, and she gave that love generously and without hesitation. The memories she created, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave, will live on in all of us. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. Betty is preceded in death by 4 of her sisters: Baby Martha Alvey, Mazie Oliver-Burch, Dorothy Mae Leonard, and Barbara Murphy, and 4 of her brothers: George Alvey Jr., Charles Alvey, John Alvey, and Lewis Alvey. Betty is survived by her 3 daughters, Betty “Tiny” or “Beth” McCandless (Howard), Melody Higgins (Eric), Sylvia Walter (Todd), son George Goldsmith II, her 5 sisters, Mary Faries, Shirley Greenwell, Jane Moreland, Cora “Bootsie” Buckler, Catherine “Kitty” Collins, 2 brothers, Thomas and Roger Alvey, 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends at Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646, on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 4pm-7pm with service starting at 7pm. Private burial will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens on Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11am.
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