Burrita Gongwer Perry
March 21, 1930 - September 26, 2019
Obituary
IN MEMORIUM BURRITA PERRY
March 21, 1930 to September 26, 2019
On Thursday, September 26, 2019, Burrita Gongwer Perry, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at home from complications of Alzheimer’s, surrounded by her devoted husband, Dr. Robert L. Perry, two of her daughters and her son-in-law.
Born on March 21, 1930 in Port Angeles, Washington, Burrita attended Eastern Washington College of Education as well as Oregon Health & Science University where she graduated with an X-Ray Technician certificate. She worked in various hospitals in the Spokane area and also in her husband’s medical practice in Burien, Washington. Burrita was a lifelong learner and in her 50’s, she returned to school at Highline Community College and then the University of Washington, graduating with a Master’s degree in Social Work and Counseling. Upon graduation, Burrita set up a private practice out of her home, counseling individuals with a specialty in addiction and alcoholism.
Burrita was a very positive person with an incredible zest for life. She was active in church for many years and secure in her belief in Christ her Lord. Burrita had a servant’s heart and was quick to meet the needs of both her family and those in her community. In addition to her great love for her family, Burrita enjoyed gardening, traveling, cooking and many other activities. She was a fully certified ski instructor and loved spending time in the mountains whether skiing or hiking. She was an avid golfer and a member of the Rainier Golf and Country Club for over 20 years. She trained as a Master Gardener and volunteered her time helping others with their gardens. She also served as a child advocate in the court system and as a hospice volunteer. Burrita and Bob moved to their home on Lake Burien in 1960, where they raised their five children and created a lifetime of memories.
Burrita will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Robert L Perry and her five children and their spouses, Laura Perry and Frank Cervenka (Seattle), Jody Menenberg (Bellevue), Robin Hale (Burien), Scott and Kathy Perry (Redmond) and Susan Paulson (S. Lake Tahoe) as well as her 16 grandchildren (Christine, Brian, Benjamin, David, Alex, Sydney, Madison, Joshua, Katie, Gabriel, Max, Raquelle, Forrest, Connor, Emily and Daniel) and 15 great-grandchildren (Olivia, Noah, Nathaniel, Nehemiah, Noah, Eliza, Dominic, Elias, Nicholas, Emmett, Luna, Nora Jean, Elias, Luca and Jacob) . She was predeceased by her father Burr Gongwer, her mother Agnes McKenzie and two sisters.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 11am at Highlands Community Church located at 3031 NE 10th Street, Renton, Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Burrita’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association-Washington State Chapter, 19031 33rd Avenue, #301 – Lynnwood WA 98036.
Beautiful write up. Burrita was quite an inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Perry family.
So very sorry for your loss. I have many happy memories of the fun times with all of you on the 4th of July. Remembering Cuisinart classes and lots of dinner parties. Burrita was an amazingly interesting lady and accomplished so much in her lifetime. I can remember her telling about her school lunches as a child, how she got her middle initial “H” and what a great cook she was. Bob and Burrita had such interesting travels around the world and shared many great pictures of their unique adventures. I am sure she is up in heaven getting things organized! My heart goes out to all of you. See you all there…..Christie
Dear Bob and Family.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Burrita. The two of you have been an inspiration for others in your love and devotion for one another. Your care for your family and community are legend! My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Anne
Burrita, thank you for the fond memories of your family I have while growing up on Lake Burien. My condolences to the family. 🙂
Dear Bob & family,
So sorry to read of Brete’s passing. I remember our ski days together on Mt. Spokane and our friendship when we were raising small children in Seattle.
Peggy Pomeroy