Obituary: Rita Gamsey Burnat

Rita Gamsey Burnat, daughter of Milton Linwood Gamsey and Rosalind Gamsey, passed away on June 5 at her home in Atlanta, Ga., at the age of 74. She was predeceased by her son, Kyle Burnat. Rita is survived by her son, Lawson Burnat, and daughter-in-law, Laura Burnat of Milton, Ga.; grandchildren, Kyla Burnat and Weston Burnat; brothers, Dr. Alan Gamsey (Helen) of Norfolk, Va., and David Gamsey (Carrie) of Sandy Springs, Ga.; nephews, Mark Gamsey, Jeff Gamsey (Elise), Brian Gamsey (Katie); nieces: Robyn Gamsey and Elizabeth Deutsch (Isaac). In addition, she is survived by numerous other cousins, relatives and friends.

Rita was born on Nov. 22, 1951, in Norfolk, Va., and graduated from Granby High School in 1969. She was very active in school activities acting as the Granby High School SCA (Student Council) President. She graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in economics in 1973 where she met her future husband, Larry Burnat. They married and raised two children in Atlanta. After college, Rita worked as an economist at Trust Company of Georgia, and later as a vice president of commercial real estate at the First National Bank of Atlanta. She later worked as a mortgage broker for many years.

Rita was a devoted mother whose love knew no limits. She was her children’s greatest supporter – cheering from the sidelines and driving her kids all over town to numerous sporting events. She surrounded herself with a wide, vibrant circle of friends playing Alta Tennis, participating in Stock Club, attending ladies birthday lunch groups, traveling to Europe and other destinations around the globe, and spending time at art museums. She was a member of Temple Sinai and attended services regularly.

Rita will be remembered for her remarkable gift for caring – the kind that wasn’t loud or showy, but steady, instinctive, and deeply felt by everyone around her. Her friends knew they could lean on her without hesitation, because she always made space for their worries, their joys, and their stories. Her children grew up wrapped in that same unwavering love, guided by her gentle strength and her belief that their needs came before her own.

She moved through life with a heart tuned to the well-being of others. Whether it was offering a listening ear, showing up when someone needed her most, or quietly putting aside her own burdens to lift someone else’s, she gave of herself freely. Caring wasn’t something she did – it was who she was.

One of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren, Kyla and Weston – proud of who they were, what they were becoming, and every milestone they reached. They brought her light, laughter, and purpose, and she poured her love into them in the same selfless way she cared for everyone she loved. Her grace in hardship and her boundless love for her grandchildren will remain among the most beautiful parts of her legacy.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of Rita’s caregivers: Katie, Cece, Fatima, Eda and Knackia. We would also like to thank all of her friends and family members that took time to visit and spend time with her during the last 18 months.

Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Temple Sinai with burial following at Arlington Memorial Park at 201 Mount Vernon Hwy in Sandy Springs. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Woodward Academy in support of the endowed Kyle Burnat ‘01 Scholar Athlete Award would be appreciated.

Memorial gifts may be made online at woodward.edu/giving (indicate tribute gift) or by check made payable to Woodward Academy and mailed to: Woodward Academy Advancement Office, 1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park, Georgia, 30337 (noting Kyle Burnat ‘01 Scholar Athlete Award in memo line). Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.