Jean Laura (Collis) Burger, 78, of Wenonah, died Wednesday, April 1, 2014, passing with the grace and composure that characterized her life. She passed after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, with her loving family at her side through her final days. Jean was known for her role as “first lady” of Wenonah as the wife of former Wenonah Mayor Edwin R. Burger Jr., who died in 2010. A homemaker, devoted wife and mother, Jean raised five children, supporting their young lives as a Cub Scout den mother, a room mother and filling countless other roles as needed. She formerly was recording secretary of Wenonah Women’s Club. An avid golfer, she had belonged to the former Tall Pines Ladies Golf Association. She loved to crochet afghans and dolls. Jean enjoyed entertaining and cooking, and her recipes are cherished by family members.

Born in Philadelphia to Frank and Mabel Elsie (Martin) Collis, she grew up primarily in Wenonah after spending some of her young years in Clayton and in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. She graduated from Wenonah Elementary School and Pitman High School. Jean married her high school sweetheart, Ed, on Sept. 4, 1954, after a three-and-a-half-year courtship. They were married 56 years when Ed died at their retirement home in Florida.

Jean is survived by her daughter Sheree (William) B. Watson, of Stroudsburg, Pa., sons Edwin (Connie) R. Burger III of Wenonah, Frank (fiancé Yan Chen) C. Burger Sr. of Claymont, Del., Mark (Patricia) S. Burger of Wenonah; 10 grandchildren: Edwin R. Burger IV of Chester Springs, Pa.; Amanda Burger Gamble of Townsend, Del.; Dr. Patricia Burger Margetas of York, Pa.; Frank C. Burger Jr. of Ringwood; Thomas E. Burger of Mantua; Lauralee N. Burger of Philadelphia; Lucas E. Watson of Stroudsburg, Pa.; Taylor A. Burger of Wenonah; and Amelia Lili Burger of Claymont, Del.; and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Jean was predeceased by a son, Gary T. Burger, and a grandson, Daniel Burger Angelotti.

Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday April 6, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday April 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ 08051. Services will be at 11 a.m. Donations in her memory may be made to the Wenonah Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 127, Wenonah, NJ 08090. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com­­