Kathryn Marie Burch

Kathryn Marie (Kozlowski) Burch
May 28, 1954 – June 19, 2025

Kathryn Marie (Kozlowski) Burch, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by many of those she loved and who love her. She was 71.

Born on May 28, 1954, in Albuquerque, Kay lived a life full of grace, passion, and dedication. A gifted ballerina, she found her calling early in life through dance. Her talent and love for the art led her to Fishback Studio, where she met the love of her life, John Edward (Ed) Burch, then an acrobatics instructor. The two shared 49 beautiful years of marriage.

Together, Kay and Ed founded the famed Gold Cup Gymnastics School (which endures to this day) and raised two children, Stephanie and Edward Michael, who were the pride and joy of her life. She was a devoted and nurturing mother, and later, a doting “Granny Kay” to Scarlett (10), Stirling (4), and Rowan (1), who brought her endless happiness.

Kay earned a degree in computer science and eventually joined Ed in coaching young gymnasts, sharing her love of movement and discipline with a new generation. Kay took immense pride in watching her granddaughter Scarlett grow into her own as a budding gymnast.

Kay always cherished her many dogs over the years, and in retirement, she also found joy in staying active, cultivating a passion for weightlifting and exercise.She also cherished her many trips to San Francisco, where she could focus all her love and attention on Stirling and Rowan—playing, reading stories, exploring parks, and creating memories that will live on in their hearts.

Kay lovingly cared for her parents later in their lives, serving as their chauffeur, cook, and daily companion. Her devotion to family was unwavering and deeply felt by all who knew her.

Kay faced a rare, aggressive, and cruel form of cancer with remarkable courage and grace. In her final days, Kay reminded her family of what mattered most: the importance and power of showing your loved ones they are just that, every day.

Kay touched many people, and so many share the same sentiment: “Kay was like a second mother to me.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ada and Martin, and her brother, Steve. She leaves behind her husband, Ed; daughter, Stephanie (husband, Kevin), and granddaughter, Scarlett; son, Edward Michael (wife, Sheri), and grandchildren, Stirling and Rowan.

A celebration of life will be held at French-WYOMING on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 5:00pm, and a reception will follow at the French-WYOMING Reception Center immediately after the celebration.  

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kay’s memory to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Pet Rescue or Lap Dog Rescue.