Helen Agnes

Burkhart

In Loving Memory

Helen Agnes (Baird) Burkhart

March 28, 1942 – November 6, 2026

Helen Agnes (Baird) Burkhart, 84, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in the Bronx, New York, Helen lived a life rich in family, friendship, laughter, and meaningful connections.

Affectionately known as “Cookie” to family and friends, including her beloved husband, Norman, and siblings who sometimes shortened it to “Cook,” Helen was also “Mrs. B.” to many of her children's friends and “Ahma” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Her genuine warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit immediately put people at ease. She was authentic, and those who knew her felt it.

Helen and her beloved husband, Norman Richard Burkhart, shared 58 years of marriage. Together, they raised their three children in New Monmouth, New Jersey, creating a loving home where family and friends always felt welcome. Their years together were filled with family traditions, travel, holidays, neighborhood friendships, and cherished memories.

Above all, Helen was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had an extraordinarily big heart, a generous spirit, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She was among her children's and grandchildren's greatest supporters, celebrating their accomplishments, cushioning their disappointments, and encouraging them through life's challenges.

Helen worked in a bakery in her younger years, and with a disposition as sweet as hers, perhaps that's where the nickname “Cookie” originated. But as sweet as she was, Helen could also be a “tough cookie” when the occasion called for it. Intelligent, independent-minded, and refreshingly honest, she wasn't afraid to speak up, particularly when she believed a little honesty or encouragement might make a difference. She wanted the very best for those she loved and taught her children that discipline, kindness, and strength of character mattered far more than outward appearances.

As her children became parents themselves, Helen was there to welcome each new grandchild into the world, generously offering her time, love, and guidance as they adjusted to parenthood. Her reassuring presence helped them embrace and enjoy this new chapter of their lives. As her grandchildren grew, so did the special bonds they shared. She developed loving friendships with them, took a genuine interest in their lives, and created treasured memories with each of them. They knew they had a forever friend in their Ahm.

Helen loved singing, dancing, good conversation, and life's simple pleasures. Some of her family's fondest memories were found in the everyday moments: coming home after a difficult day at school to a comforting hug and BLT sandwiches waiting at the table, singing together while folding laundry, breaking into an impromptu Irish jig, or sharing a piping-hot cup of tea, always served in one of her favorite cups, alongside a slice of Irish soda bread.

An enthusiastic supporter of youth soccer, Helen stepped up alongside other local mothers to coach some of the first community girls' teams in the county, as Norman and fellow coaches worked to expand opportunities for girls to play. Her willingness to get involved reflected the encouraging, can-do spirit she brought to so many aspects of her life.

Helen also had an entrepreneurial spirit and took great pride in helping her son launch his first business, supporting his ambitions and encouraging his pursuits. She built a successful career of her own in banking, beginning part-time as a teller before advancing to Assistant Manager at First Merchants National Bank in Holmdel, New Jersey, and later becoming Branch Manager at PNC Bank in Colts Neck, where she retired.

Helen loved to travel and explore new places, sharing adventures and making memories with Norman, their children, extended family, and dear friends.

She loved the mountains, while Norman loved the ocean. Their family enjoyed many memorable holidays at their mountain home in Pennsylvania before Helen and Norman retired to Florida, where they treasured time with their children and grandchildren.

In later years, Helen delighted in spending time with her great-grandchildren, sharing her warmth, affection, and love with yet another generation.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman Richard Burkhart.

She is survived by her three children: Therese Marie Anitra (Jonathan), Richard Norman Burkhart (Maria), and Kerryanne Weed (James Michael); four grandchildren: Erica Therese Polvan, Jayson Hunter Polvan (Felicia), Daniella Nicole Kuhne (Allan), and Victoria Anne Wiltse (Drew); and six great-grandchildren: Aydan Stephen, Cassian Grey, Saoirse Faye, Kai-Koa, Kalani Malia, and Mia Luisa.

Her family feels incredibly fortunate to have shared so many years, so many seasons of life, and so many beautiful memories with her. Yet no amount of time could ever feel like enough.

Helen's legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the values she instilled, and the countless ordinary moments that, over a lifetime, became extraordinary memories.

She was deeply loved by her family and friends, will be missed beyond words, remembered with endless affection, and loved forever.

Funeral Services

A Funeral Mass celebrating Helen's life will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2085 Tallahassee Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Family and friends are invited to lunch immediately following the Mass at Harmony Reserve Clubhouse, 6060 Long Leaf Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32966.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice House, 901 37th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960, in gratitude for the compassionate care provided during her final days.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home.

An online guestbook is available at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.