In Loving Memory

Mary Jo Burchfield

Mary Jo Burchfield, born Mary Worzalla, was born on January 16, 1954, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Caroline Carpenter and Richard Worzalla Sr. She passed away on May 23, 2026.

Mary dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She graduated from Central Florida Community College in Ocala with her nursing degree and began a meaningful career in healthcare. She worked in the emergency room at Orange Memorial Hospital, later known as Orlando Regional Medical Center, and also served as a manager at South Seminole Hospital. She later continued her career with The Hartford Insurance Company. Mary also went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Florida Southern College. She lived a life of care, service, and dedication, both in her work and in the way she loved her family. As a nurse, she gave comfort and help to those in need, showing compassion in one of the most meaningful ways a person can.

Mary was the loving mother of two sons, Matthew and Tom, whom she raised in her home in Orlando, Florida. Along with her sister, Patti, Mary enjoyed taking road trips and kayak adventures, as well as watching Green Bay Packers football games. She also enjoyed gardening around her home, painting, and sewing.

Mary also helped create something lasting for her family. Along with her sister, Patti, she helped purchase the property where her son Matthew and his wife, Lynne, would go on to start a horse rescue. Over time, that rescue grew beyond horses, becoming a place where any animal in need could find help, care, and a second chance.

Later, her grandsons Cyrus, Ayden, and Lukas also contributed to that mission, carrying forward the same spirit of compassion and service. What began with Mary’s generosity became a family legacy of love, kindness, and helping those who could not help themselves.

More than anything, Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and a cherished part of her family. Her strength, faith, warmth, and love touched everyone who knew her. During her battle, she showed courage and grace, even through the hardest days.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline Carpenter and Richard Worzalla Sr.; and her brother, Richard Worzalla Jr.

She is survived by her sister, Patti Worzalla; her son, Matthew and his wife, Lynne, and their sons, Cyrus and his wife, Rylee, Ayden, and Lukas; her son, Tom and his wife, Leighanne, and their children, Isabelle, Genevieve, Grant, and Harris; her stepson, Bill Burchfield and his sons, Wyatt and Lincoln; and her stepdaughter, Jennifer Hrabel and her daughter, Jessica.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Big Red Ranch and Rescue, to help carry on Mary’s dream of giving animals in need a second home.

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing Mary is now free from pain and suffering, at peace and at rest with the Lord.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”

— Revelation 21:4

Mary will be loved beyond words, missed beyond measure, and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Link to Go Fund Me memory page https://gofund.me/33a4a91b3