A Mass of Christian Burial was conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday morning,  Jan. 13, 2024, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Bassfield with interment following in St. James Cemetery.  Father Thomasz Golab officiated. 

Mrs. Burt, age 82, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord Sunday morning, Jan. 7, 2024, at the Jefferson Davis Extended Care Facility in Prentiss. 

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

The wake was held at St. Peter Parish Hall, Friday evening, Jan. 12, 2023, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a Rosary Service beginning at 7 p.m. 

Friends also called Saturday morning, beginning at 9 a.m. until the hour of service.

Mary Louise Cavanaugh Burt was born on Feb. 18, 1941, in Marion County, to James Bernard and Mary Elizabeth Kirby Cavanaugh. 

Louise grew up in Bassfield and graduated from Bassfield High School in 1958.

A few years after their marriage, she and her husband settled in Silver Creek over 50 years ago and raised their family there. 

She was a faithful member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Bassfield.

Mrs. Burt’s love for her family was immeasurable and her dedication was unmatched; she truly embodied what it meant to be a devoted wife and mother.

Her husband relates that he has countless memories of Louise waking up at 2 a.m. to prepare breakfast for him whenever he had shift work at the paper mill.

Their marriage spanned over 58 years, and their love and devotion remained steadfast even during the last years of Louise’s declining health.

The young Louise Cavanaugh (Burt) took Home-Economics class while a student at Bassfield High School where she learned to sew and from there, perfected her talent over the next many years. 

Her daughters have fond memories of going with their mother to the TWL store in Monticello to select fabrics for their different outfits. 

Seemingly, she could create anything on a sewing machine. 

From band uniforms to cheerleader outfits, countless people have been the fortunate recipient of this gracious lady and her skill as a seamstress.

One of her greatest joys came from visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, particularly during mid-December when she could marvel at the beauty of Cades Cove and watch deer in their natural habitat. 

Beyond being an incredible wife and mother, Mrs. Burt also possessed exceptional skills in the kitchen.

She was renowned for the delicious meals she prepared with love and care. Her chicken and dumplings were legendary among family and friends alike; as was her Rum Cake.

Gatherings around her table were filled with warmth, laughter and abundant joy.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burt is preceded in death by her brothers, George, Barney, Maurice and Lawrence Cavanaugh; as well as her sister, Christine Cavanaugh and an infant sibling.

Her memory will forever be cherished by her devoted husband of 58 years, Davis T. Burt of Silver Creek; her daughters, Lana (Frank) Sturgon of Puckett, Debbie (Michael) Yakstis of Brandon; her sister, Dorothy Ann Divine of Canton and a brother, Johnny Cavanaugh of Olo.  Her legacy will also live on through her grandchildren, Erynn Sturgon, Thomas Sturgon and Maggie Yakstis.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.