Elizabeth Burkart

Elizabeth Viola (Liz) Burkart, 54, passed unexpectedly but peacefully from this life April 11, 2018.  Born in Beaumont, Texas, Liz moved with her parents and 5 siblings to Columbus, Ohio in 1971.  A gifted oboist, pianist and artist, she was scheduled to begin her freshman year at The Ohio State University when she suffered a traumatic brain injury in an automobile accident on September 2, 1980.  Not one to give up easily, and with the loving devotion and support of her mother Janet and father Richard, Liz emerged from a 5-month long coma to eventually regain her ability to paint, communicate with modified sign language, and live a long life surrounded by the love of her family and many caregivers.  Liz is preceded in death by her mother, Janet Elizabeth (Gerbrecht) Burkart, and her constant companion Luke the cat.  She is survived by her father, Richard E. Burkart, sisters Lillian, Jeanette (Tom) Kimball, and Marian, brothers Rick and Tom, and many nieces, nephews and cousins for whom her determination and quick wit have been inspirational in so many ways.  Visitation will take place Monday April 16 from 6-8 pm at SHAW-DAVIS FUNERAL HOMES 4341 N High St. Cols 43214. A funeral mass will be Tuesday 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 414 East N. Broadway Cols. 43214 In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her name to the Brain Injury Association 855 Grandview Ave # 225, Columbus, OH 43215.