Obituary

Willo Ann Burgler

March 17, 1935 – November 15, 2022
Ferndale, Washington

Willo Ann Burgler, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Ferndale November 15, 2022 with her husband by her side.  Willo was born in Ferndale, raised in Clearbrook, Bellingham, and later moved back to Ferndale. She was the fourth of five children, arriving several minutes ahead of her twin brother.  Willo graduated from Ferndale High School class of 1953 and married Frank Burgler in 1955 at the old Catholic church on 3^rd Street in Ferndale.  They raised their family of four children in Ferndale.

Willo was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-grandmother.  She was known for her kindness, generosity, and creativity plus a healthy bit of independence and stubbornness when it came to letting anyone help her.

She and Frank enjoyed camping when the kids were young and traveling with friends during retirement. They spent many summers enjoying time with family and friends at their beach property near Blaine. She loved to sew dresses and quilts for her grandchildren and their friend’s children. And she baked the best treats, including legendary chocolate chip cookies. No one ever went hungry when Willo was there.

But most of all, Willo loved her family and friends.

More recently, Willo’s memory faded and she was not able to cook, sew and care for others the same way she had for most of her life. But her love for others never faded. Whenever someone visited, she would ask if they wanted something to eat.  When they left, she would ask if there was a light on. And if she was invited to their home, she always asked what she could bring. During her last few years, she was asked to just bring Frank.

Willo is survived by Frank, her husband of 67 years, and their children Sheri Burgler Emerson (Jim), Traci Burgler, (Mike Behlke), Stephen Burgler (Susan), and Kelli Burgler Miller (Robert Miller), grandchildren Jamie Emerson, Kacey Emerson, Sarah Emerson, Hayden Burgler (Teri), Hannah Phillips (Jackson), Alex Goodwin, great-grandchild, Burke, and her twin brother Jim McKay.

Willo was preceded in death by her mother, Viola Rathbone, and three siblings, Jean Lampman, Donna Hardy, and Ken McKay.

Willo was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ferndale, for 67 years and her life will be celebrated with a funeral Mass Tuesday, November 22, 10:30, at St. Joseph’s Church, followed by a luncheon at the hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Whatcom Hospice, in appreciation of their great care during the last six weeks.

If you cannot attend Willo’s service, the family invites you to celebrate Willo’s life by caring for the people you love. Make sure that they have something to eat, there’s a light on to help them see their way, and when you visit, always ask what you can bring.