Betty Burgess Obituary

Betty Gene Burgess, an accomplished, kind, vivacious, intelligent, creative, and beautiful mother, friend, wife and citizen activist passed away in her sleep on October 2, 2010. Born September 8, 1936, in Washington, DC, she is survived by her children, Sally Fouché (Lee), Bill Burgess (Julie) and Lisa Burgess (Brian Alm); and their father, Bill Burgess Sr., beloved grandmother of eight grandchildren. Preceded in death by her dearly beloved husband, Jack Reese. Betty grew up in Leadville, Colorado. Following WWII, she lived with her parents in Berlin while her father worked on the Nuremburg trials where her mother, aware of the suffering in the bombed-out city, set up a soup kitchen in their home. This made a great impression on Betty and she devoted her life to helping others. She attended UC Boulder where she met her first husband Bill Burgess. They raised their three children in Colorado Springs and together were devoted parents. During those years Betty became active in the League of Women Voters, the Democratic Party, AAUW and the Tri-Delta alumna group. She continued her education at UCCS, graduating with a BA in sociology and English literature and later earned her MSW at the University of Denver. She worked for Catholic Community Services in Colorado Springs and eventually set up her own business, Child Care Evaluations and Mediations. She was a strong advocate for the best interests of children and was widely regarded for her work. She also worked part-time for the Mental Health Center as a therapist. Betty spent the last four years in Seattle to be close to her two daughters and their families. She was widely and deeply loved by a cadre of devoted friends and family. We are all so very grateful to have known and loved Betty. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 23 at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart in Colorado Springs, followed by an "Irish Wake" at The Cliff House in Manitou Springs. Remembrances may be made to the League of Women Voters, PO Box 7888, Colorado Springs, CO 80933.