Susan Ruth Burkhamer (1945-2023)

Susan Ruth Burkhamer, 78, passed away on November 16, 2023. She went peacefully, while listening to big band music, and with family by her side, after a courageous battle with Adenocarcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer.

Born Susan Ruth Jaffe, February 17, 1945, in Montpelier, Vermont to first generation American’s Ethel Levinthal and Joseph George Jaffe. Sue’s brother Stephen was born in 1951 and they spent their childhood in Providence, Rhode Island until the family moved to Reno, Nevada in 1957.

She graduated from Reno High School in 1963. Shortly after, she moved to San Francisco, California where she worked for Crocker Bank and IBM, until an illness brought her back to live with her parents in Reno, NV.

Sue married Jess Burkhamer in 1971 and their daughter Jennifer was born in 1974. Jess already had three children, Ron, Joe, and Jessica. Sue was a proud and caring stepmother, as she always dreamed of having a big family. Together, Jess and Sue co-owned Associated Security and Process Serving until their divorce in 1987.

Sue had a passion for education and graduated from University of Nevada, Reno in 1999. Throughout her career she was a teacher at Merry Berry Preschool, a Youth Program Supervisor for the City of Reno, a WCSD Substitute Teacher, and managed special event logistics for Road Shows. She retired from Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space in 2015, as Theater Manager of the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, her favorite job.

Throughout her life, civic engagement, philanthropy, and volunteerism were always a priority. Sue served on numerous boards and commissions including Reno Arts and Culture, Reno Recreation and Parks Commission, Nevada Opera, Reno Youth Jazz, Nevada Humanities, Hot August Nights, and Temple Sinai, among others. Her volunteer service included Planned Parenthood, Girl Scouts, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful, and many more.

Sue cared for others needs before her own. Like her parents, she valued family more than anything. She cherished being a mom, mother-in-law, stepmother, aunt, sister, and grandmother.

She is survived by her brother Stephen Jaffe (Darlene); daughter Jennifer Budge (Jeremy); grandsons Connor, Andrew, and Matthew Budge; nephew Scott Jaffe (Robin), all of Reno. She also has countless relatives throughout the east coast.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Circle of Life Hospice; Dr. Katharine Thomas and her amazing team at Renown Oncology/Hematology who lovingly cared for her during her illness. Special thanks to Rabbi Myra Soifer and Patti Bernard for their guidance, support, and friendship to Sue throughout the years, and especially in her final days.

A memorial service will be held on December 12, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at Temple Sinai, 3405 Gulling Road, Reno, NV 89503.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sue’s name to the Reno Philharmonic at renophil.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Waltons Funeral Home in Reno.