BJ (Petzoldt) Burnside

Betty Jane Petzoldt Burnside, also known as BJ, was born May 12, 1938 in Carthage, NY. She passed peacefully in her home on March 25, 2023, seven weeks short of her 85th birthday. BJ was preceded in death by her parents, Curtis and Marjorie Petzoldt, and her husband, R. Max Burnside. Both her father and her husband died unexpectedly of heart attacks. BJ felt blessed, being diagnosed with cancer stage 4C in August 2019, to have been given a ‘heads up’ and the opportunity to say her goodbyes and plan her celebration of life service. Next to her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, her family meant the most to her. BJ is survived by her son, Kent, and his wife, Diana; son, Dean, and his wife, Terri; five grandchildren, Brad, Brandon, Brittany, Adam and Kyle, and their spouses; eight great grandchildren, Brooke, Kendall, Kinsley, Haley, Brooklynn, Riley, Ryman and Mayla Jane (who was named after her great grandma, Betty Jane); one brother, Curtis Petzoldt, and his wife, Cindy, three nieces, Shane, Zara and Alexa; one nephew, Todd; and several cousins. BJ lived a very active life and music was a big part of it. She was the choir pianist through high school, played French horn and bell front alto horn in the high school band. She later was her church pianist for 25 years. She loved being in both the Junior and Senior class plays. BJ was in the National Honor Society and graduated third in her class of 1956 in Tipp City, Ohio. BJ married her high school sweetheart, R. Max Burnside, August 17, 1956 and they were married 33 years before his untimely death in 1989 from a heart attack at age 53. BJ followed in her father’s footsteps and became a Realtor at age 22. It ended up being a lifetime career. She was a successful Realtor for 56 years. Before moving to Florida, she was the Broker of the family real estate business in Vandalia, Ohio for 21 years. In Sarasota, she was a top Realtor at each company where she worked. First, General Realty, then for 19 years at Mount Vernon Realty. She moved to Manatee County to live close to her mother and continued as a top producer at Wagner Realty and Keller Williams until she retired in 2015. BJ was an active member of two churches; Bayside Community Church on SR 64 East Bradenton, and Sarasota Baptist Church on Proctor Rd. in Sarasota. One of the major joys of her life was 18 years as the Chair of Sarasota Christian Women’s Connection, a Stonecroft Ministry. It is an international, non-denominational women’s organization established to reach ladies, “Where they are. As they are”. BJ had the joy of seeing many ladies accept Christ through this outreach. Another way BJ served was as a Team Leader with the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fund raising walk. She was a two-time survivor of breast cancer prior to her last cancer diagnosis. In August 2019, she was diagnosed with Stage 4C cancer in 7 parts of her body, which later spread to 11 parts. The only treatment option was chemotherapy. She was told it may extend her life 2-3 months, but she would be ill from it. She chose not to have any treatment. She told Moffit Cancer Center that she would rather live a shorter time with quality of life than a longer time and be sick. From the day of the diagnosis, she had total peace and said she would live every day to the fullest and finish strong, which she did. She remained active until 20 minutes before she died. BJ served her Lord faithfully. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. BJ’s impactful life will be celebrated with a service and reception on Saturday, May 20th at 2 pm at Sarasota Baptist Church, 7091 Proctor Rd., Sarasota, FL 34241. BJ’s ashes will be buried next to her husband, Max, at Maple Hill Cemetery in Tipp City, Ohio in a simple graveside gathering on July 1st. In lieu of flowers, BJ requested that donations be made in her honor to organizations that share the hope found in Jesus Christ. Especially close to her heart was Stonecroft. Donations can be made to Stonecroft SW Florida and sent to 12315 Lobelia Terr., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

BJ (Petzoldt) Burnside

May 12, 1938 - March 25, 2023