Obituary of Martha Burch

Martha H. Burch, 97, of Titusville, passed away Saturday morning August 15, 2015 at Country Acres Personal Care Home in Titusville. Mrs. Burch was born in Oil City on March 31, 1918 to the late Charles Frederick and Fern Thayer Highfield. She was married to Robert E. Burch on June 3, 1956 in Titusville. He preceded her in death on October 12, 1985. She had attended the former East Hickory High School. Martha had owned the Gift Box in Titusville since 1953 and operated it for 57 years until it’s closing in 2010. Prior to her opening the Gift Box, Martha had been a sales person for World Book Encyclopedia. Mrs. Burch was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was also a member of the YWCA, TABA, and a Paul Harris fellow of the Titusville Rotary Club. She enjoyed reading and was an excellent seamstress. The Martha Burch Downtown Spirit Award was established in her honor to recognize all her years of holiday decorating. Mrs. Burch is survived by a daughter, Leora Host of Gorham, NH; a son, David Lyle Hunter of Mineral, VA; a son-in-law, Richard Zimmerman of Titusville; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; a sister, Priscilla Vicini and husband Robert, all of Mesa, AZ; the following nieces and nephews, Judy Reinard and husband Thomas, Howard Vicini, Nancy Whitaker, Robert Vicini, and Dennis Newhouse. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Lola Zimmerman; a son-in-law, Allen Host; two sisters, Naomi Rhodes and Rachel Bergh; and a brother Benjamin Highfield. No public visitation will be observed. Friends may attend a memorial service at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home with Mrs. Jacqueline Wagner officiating. Inurnment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Pleasantville. Memorial contributions can be made to Benson Memorial Library, 213 N. Franklin St., Titusville, PA 16354 or to the Titusville Shade Tree Commission, 107 N. Franklin Street, Titusville, PA 16354.