DeeDee’s life began on May 3, 1954, in Dowagiac, the daughter of Hubert and Millie (Neff) Langley.

DeeDee, 56, of Dowagiac, was a 1973 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School.

She was united in marriage to Thomas Burling on July 21, 1973, at First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac.

DeeDee worked at Lee Memorial Hospital as a nurse’s aid for several years and worked with her husband at Beeson Street Bar and Grill.

DeeDee was involved and passionate about supporting Relay for Life in Cass County and she enjoyed her golf league at the Dowagiac Elks Lodge.

Her greatest joy was her family, which includes: her husband of 37 years, Tom Burling of Dowagiac; her daughters, Pam (Roy) Collins of Kalamazoo and Sandi Burling of St. Joseph; granddaughters, Gabriele Burling and Caitlyn Collins; sister, Barbara Hill of Elkhart, Ind.;  brother, Tom (Karen) Langley of Dowagiac; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Chuck and Kathy Burling and family, Bob and Debbe Burling and family, Linda and Roger Sims and family, Pat and Diane Harding and family, Glenn and Cathy Feirick and family and John and Brenda Edington and family; nephews, Doug and Chris Michels and Daniel, Brian and Anthony Langley; and special aunt, Gini (Dave) Banta of Westminster, Md.

DeeDee passed away after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer on Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, at her home surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Nancy Jo Langley. Her family will gather with friends Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where her memorial service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. led by her brother-in law Chuck Burling.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Lee Memorial Hospital Foundation to be used for oncology care. Please sign her guestbook and leave a message for the family at www.yazel-clark.com.