Dixie Jane Burkett (née McLaughlin), 76, of Chambersburg, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Born June 19, 1949, she was the daughter of the late George E. and Nancy J. McLaughlin of Fayetteville, Pa.
She celebrated 32 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Gary N. Burkett, originally of Greencastle, Pa.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by daughter, Lori Edmunds, son-in-law, Jeffrey Edmunds, and grandson, David Edmunds, all of State College, Pa., as well as her brother, Larry McLaughlin, sister-in-law, Sue McLaughlin, sister-in-law, Jeannette McLaughlin, and niece, Renee Ambrose all of Fayetteville, Pa. and two great-nephews, Dylan Murray of Fayetteville, Pa. and Shane Ambrose of Norfolk, Va.
A 1967 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School, upon graduation, Dixie went to work for the U.S. Dept. of Transportation in Washington, D.C. She enjoyed a long and successful career in clerical work, retiring from the Chambersburg Tax Office in 1999. She took great pride in her rapid and accurate typing (over 90 words a minute with zero errors), but most of all in her ability to help people and soothe frayed nerves. She was fondly remembered for her friendly smile and kind disposition by everyone who encountered her.
Dixie found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. She deeply loved animals and cherished the many cats and dogs that she cared for over the years. She enjoyed playing tennis and played competitively for many summers on the Chambersburg Recreation Dept’s Adult Tennis League.
She enjoyed camping with her husband, aerobics classes, swimming, dancing, sharing crossword puzzles with her daughter, and reading (especially biographies and true crime stories). She took great pride in homemaking and was the consummate interior designer, making every space she ever inhabited beautiful, comfortable, and homey.
The family will hold a private service at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Better Days Animal League, 875 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, Pa. 17202.
Online condolences may be expressed at the funeral home’s website.
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