Bayhealth recently announced that the new childcare center currently under construction at Bayhealth Sussex Campus would be named the Ann L. Burton Center for Children. The center name was selected after Charles Burton, president and owner of I.G. Burton Auto Group, made a generous pledge to Bayhealth in honor of his mother.
“As a local family-run business since 1908, we wanted to honor Ann’s legacy ina way that reflects her dedication and passion for the community,” Burton said. “Behind the scenes, she brought a lot of dedication, care and guidance to those who needed it most. This is an opportunity to tell her story and honor her not just for what she did, but for who she was. It is proof that impact isn’t always loud but is always lasting.”
Born in Rockford, Illinois, the third of ten children, Ann was the daughter of Dr. Charles and Helen Leonard. She attended local parochial schools before heading to Marymount College in Washington, D.C. where she earned an associate’s degree in sociology. She then transferred to Marymount University in Tarrytown, New York, where she graduated with a bachelor’s in sociology. After her college graduation, she married David Burton and the couple moved to Stuttgart, Germany, where David was stationed in the Army.
The couple moved to Milford after one year in Germany. Ann worked for Catholic Charities in Dover, earning a master’s in counseling while working full time. This led her to a professional career at the agency and she worked with young mothers, foster care as well as adoption in her 20 years of service.
Ann was active in the Milford community, serving on the board of People’s Place, the board of Marymount University and the board of Wesley College. She was a member of the Milford Women’s Club where she served one year as president. She was a Master Gardner and also served a term as president of the Milford Garden Club. Ann passed away in 2023.
“We are overjoyed to announce with the Burton family the Ann L. Burton Center for Children at the Sussex Campus,” Brenda Kibler, Bayhealth Child Care & Early Learning Center Director, said. “Mrs. Burton was a lifelong advocate for education. In partnership with their generosity, and in the spirit of her memory, we will be providing an exceptional caliber of childcare for generations to come.
The Burton Center will serve as a vital resource for team member who work at the Bayhealth Sussex Campus, offering a safe and nurturing environment for children through age 11. There is currently an accredited childcare center at Bayhealth Kent Campus. The new location will offer age-appropriate classrooms, play areas, gardens and support space for up to 102 children. It is also designed to care for children of families in the community needing emergency care or treatment.
“The community has been great to us, and we want to give back,” Burton said. “The reason we have been so successful is because of the people who live here, and we want to help take care of them. We want great healthcare for those who reside in central and southern Delaware, and we hope this additional benefit will help attract clinicians and their families to the area.”
Burton also helps his gift will inspire other community members to support the growth and access to healthcare in central and southern Delaware. To learn more, visit the Bayhealth Foundation or contact them at 302-744-7015.
