Lynn Burchett, 86

Lynn Burchett passed away peacefully Sept. 28, 2026, surrounded by family in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, the place she was proud to call home for the past 30 years. She was 86 years old. Lynn was born Nov. 10, 1939, in Los Angeles, Calif., to George and Bernice Hurst. 

She lived a full and meaningful life centered around family, friendship, service, and love. Lynn was a devoted mother to Gary, Lynda, Robert, and David Burchett. She was the oldest sister of Georgene Blair (Terry) and Claudia Parker (Larry). 

She is survived by her oldest children, Gary Burchett (Lorrayne) and Lynda Heise (Tom). She was a beloved grandmother to Sharene, Robert, Bobbie, Katie, Nicci, Johnny, Sara, and Andrew, and to 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as extended family and countless friends whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sons, David and Robert Burchett (Lisa). 

Lynn was a proud and devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous. On Oct. 31, 2026, she would have celebrated 40 years of sobriety, a remarkable milestone that marked not only her own journey but also the countless lives she helped along the way. Lynn sponsored many people over the years and was a friend to all who needed a listening ear, encouragement, or simply someone to be there without judgment. She served for many years as Treasurer of her AA home groups and traveled to Hawaii, Canada, and many other places to attend and chair AA conventions. Her commitment to helping others was one of the most beautiful parts of her life. Lynn was a proud, dedicated woman who built a long career in California before retiring from Verizon in Idaho in 2014. She was hardworking, independent, and always willing to give to others. Lynn believed God sent us here as Spiritual beings to have a human experience. She believed our journey was to love and be of service to others. 

To her family, Lynn was so much more than the roles she held or the things she accomplished. She was the very best listener, the person you could call, sit with, and talk to about anything. She was the person you could always come home to, and she had a rare ability to make people feel heard, accepted, valued and loved. She gave advice without judgment, comfort without conditions, and friendship without asking for anything in return. She listened. She respected. She loved. 

Lynn loved her coffee, pumpkins, meerkats, dressing up (especially in orange), traveling, and, most of all, her family. She found joy in the little things and had a way of making those around her feel at home. Lynn’s life was a testament to the power of second chances. Her nearly 40 years of sobriety will continue to inspire those who knew her, and the countless people she sponsored and encouraged will carry a piece of her with them. Her greatest legacy will live on in her family through the stories they tell, the memories they carry, and the love they share because she was theirs. She leaves behind a lifetime of love that will be cherished forever. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered as a mother, sister, aunt, grandma, and friend.

A celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, at the family home, 308 W. 12th Ave., Post Falls, Idaho.