Florence Burdsall

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Florence Burdsall, who peacefully left this world on December 23, 2024, at the age of 89, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Florence was born on May 22, 1935, in Washington, D.C., to Guiseppi Sita and Theresa Capparotti. She graduated from Suitland High School and in 1956 married Lloyd E. Burdsall whom she later divorced. 

Flo, the name everyone called her, was a kind, loving soul, and devoted wife, sister, daughter, and mother. She embodied the best of qualities: unconditional love, strong spirit, compassion, a great sense of humor, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family and friends. She never faltered in caring for her loved ones more than she did for herself. She had an infectious smile and laugh, that turned ordinary moments into extraordinary ones… always happy with a smile on her face. She loved cooking, being with family, working out in the yard, playing cards, dancing, and in her earlier years playing softball. 

She worked for 30+ years at Andrews Air Force Base for the D.C. Air National Guard. During her service she earned many awards and citations. She retired in the late 1980s and spent her retirement at the beach. She was extremely strong willed (some would call that stubborn) and extremely independent. Unfortunately, that would all come to an end in 2010 when she was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. 

Florence joins in Heaven her parents, her brothers Frank Sita and Joe Sita, her sisters Rose Giles and Catherine Wood. Florence is survived by her daughter Valerie London, her husband William, and son Michael Burdsall, his wife Lisa, her grandchildren Michael Fusco, Lindsey Westgate, Michael Burdsall, Jr., Christopher Burdsall, and Bailey Burdsall, and her great grandchildren MacKensie Martinez Fusco, Cohen Fusco, Charlie Rose Westgate, and Audrey, Teddy, and Vinnie Burdsall. She is also survived by her brothers James Sita and Ralph Sita, and many nieces and nephews. 

We ask that you remember Florence for the way she lived life, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home, Clinton, Maryland, on Thursday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with funeral services beginning at 12:00 pm. Florence will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital