Eleanor Burgess

Eleanor P. Burgess passed away on Aug. 5, 2014, after a short illness. She was 91 years old. Eleanor was born in New York City on Jan. 29, 1923, to Forrest and Grace Anderson. She was married for more than 60 years to her beloved husband, Robert B. Burgess, who died on March 7, 2006.

Eleanor is survived by five children, Anne Valiquette (husband Art), Janet Burgess (husband Pete Lorain), Patricia Burgess (husband Douglas Jeffries), Bruce Burgess, and Robert Burgess; 10 grandchildren, Travis, Lance, Brandon L., Devin, Christopher, Alex, Megan, Brandon B., Brenda, and Paul; seven great grandchildren, Kylee Anne, Owen, Autumn, Breanne, Claire, Bailey Rose, and Henry; and her sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and John Houserman. Her parents and her sister, Mary Simpson, preceded her in death.

Eleanor graduated from Mt. Holyoke College with a B.S. and M.S. in chemistry. She was a pharmaceutical researcher before marrying Bob on Jan. 11, 1946, shortly after the end of World War II and his service in the U.S. Navy. The couple lived in Vermont before moving to Walla Walla in 1949, where Bob became director of athletics, and tennis and basketball coach at Whitman College.

Eleanor taught chemistry and geometry at St. Paul’s Episcopal School for Girls, Walla Walla High School and, for on interim appointment, Whitman College. She was an honorary member of Alpha Phi sorority. She served as girls’ tennis coach at Wa-Hi where she recently received Teacher of Distinction recognition for her contributions to the school, its students and the community.

Eleanor loved to read, play bridge, knit, bicycle, garden and attend concerts and plays. She was a founding member of a local women’s investment club, an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and a longtime volunteer at the Walla Walla Little Theatre. After retirement, she and Bob tutored students, taught tennis and volunteered with church youth groups.

They travelled extensively, whether bicycling, walking, steering canal boats or staying in small towns off the beaten path. After Bob’s death, Eleanor remained an intrepid traveler, visiting her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout the United States.

Eleanor had a zest for life and lived it fully. She was a remarkable friend to many, and the anchor that guided her family with love, resilience and an abiding faith.

The family members express their deep gratitude to friends and Hospice for their support during these past few months. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Eleanor’s name to the Walla Walla Little Theatre or the charity of your choice. Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 325 South 1st Ave, Walla Walla, Washington, on Saturday August 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. We welcome you to share this time with us.