Terry R. Burgess

On March 16th, 2023, Terry Renee Burgess of Carmel, Indiana unexpectedly passed away in her home. Terry was born on January 15th, 1970 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.  From a young age Terry’s passion was rooted in helping others; she began a career in the field of medicine. She graduated from Marian University of Indianapolis where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. Terry was most passionate about treating children and those with significant medical needs. She was hard-working, diligent, and determined in her educational and professional pursuits.

Terry married Michael Burgess on June 1st, 1996 in Hope, Indiana. Terry and Michael had four beautiful children: Claire, Emma, Sean, and Scott to whom she dedicated her life. Terry radiated selflessness and advocacy for her children in all walks of their lives; she met each parenting journey with calm, grace and understanding.

Terry had a deep love for animals; you could guarantee a house full of pets that she enjoyed with her children. She had a contagious laugh that could be heard from far away; one could say she was always young at heart. People were drawn to Terry’s warmth, kindness, and unique sense of humor. She could find the joy in anything; she was quick-witted and spunky.

Terry’s empathy and compassion for others was quickly evident to all who interacted with her. Terry had this way about her; an ability to sense the thoughts and emotions of others and connect and meet them wherever they were. She was intentional about outreach with those she cared for and found value in keeping connected with even those she did not see regularly. One could always rely on Terry to be a listening ear, give words of encouragement and wisdom, and make one feel heard.

Terry is survived by her four children: Claire Burgess, Emma Burgess, Sean Burgess, and Scott Burgess; her former husband and father of her children: Michael Burgess; her mother, Linda Herron Handt;  her father, Alan Eugene Handt, and stepmother, Deborah Sears Handt; her sisters: Tammy Handt Patterson (Michael) of Indianapolis, Indiana, Tracy Handt Foster (James)  and Kelly Handt Skinner (Ryan) of Zionsville, Indiana, along with many nieces and nephews who call her “Aunt Ter,” and friends who Terry called family.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 E Carmel Dr, Carmel, IN 46032.

Our family is grateful for all of the love, care, and support that we have received.  A GoFundMe page for the benefit of Terry’s children has been established: https://gofund.me/cb0d68ce