Alberta Louise Burgess, passed away at Vulcan Community Health Centre on September 12, 2003 at 99 years of age.
Alberta was born August 22, 1904 at Jumping Pound, Alberta to William and Sarah Bennett. Her mother taught her at home until the age of ten, then she attended Jumping Pound School for grades three and four. Alberta’s family moved to Bowden, where she attended Red Lodge School and graduated form Bowden High School. At the age of seventeen years she got a permit to teach and started teaching at Fawn Hill School, west of Bassano. After the permit ran out she attended Calgary Normal School, receiving her permanent certificate. Being the eldest of the last four children she became her mothers helper while growing up. She continued to earn her living by teaching in one roomed schools at Union Jack and Cottonwood Schools, grades one to nine, numbering few or many, and once two students in grade ten. Her teaching career ended in December of 1928 when she married William Raymond “Bill” Burgess. Together they resided in the Vulcan District east of the corner store. In 1988 Alberta and Bill celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary and in 1989 Bill passed away. Alberta continued to reside on the family farm until moving into Peter Dawson Lodge in 2002, where she has continued to reside since.
Alberta loved her family and grandchildren. She had a special place in her heart for all of them. She also treasured her students, whom she considered to be her “kids”. She loved farm life, her garden, raspberry bushes, baby chickens, and her Holstein cows. Alberta’s door was always open to anyone in need from family, friends and strangers. Alberta lived a full life, as she loved life. She will be missed by all the lives she touched, during her wonderful life.
Alberta was very active in the Eastway Social Club and spent many hours helping with the publishing of the District History Book – “Trails to Highway”. She was also a Eastway News Reporter for the Vulcan Advocate. Alberta was a wonderful story teller and poet – always making poems for all and many occasions.
Loving mother of a son Melvin (Lena) of Vulcan, a daughter Shirley (Allan) Fletcher of High River, five grandchildren Brian (Martha Anne) of Saudi Arabia, Beverly Burgess of Calgary, Kenny (Carole) of Columbia, South Carolina, Terry (Lynn) of Vulcan, Rick of Victoria, five great grandchildren Kari, Jody, Corey, Erik and Kent, numerous nieces and nephews , all of whom she adored.
Alberta was predeceased by her loving husband William “Billy” in 1989, four sisters, four brothers and her parents.
Celebration of Life Funeral Service Thursday September 18, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. Vulcan United Church with Lee Spice officiating.
Honorary Bearers Florence Comstock, Mary, Despas, Isobelle Gataint, Mabel Gooch, Agnes Hoerle, Christie Leggott and Lee Lepp.
Casket bearers Ken Burgess, Terry Burgess, Rick Burgess, Corey Burgess, Dale Bennett, and Ken Lepp.
Interment Vulcan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Alberta’s memory could be made to either the Heart & Stoke Foundation of Alberta 1825 Park Rd. S.E. Calgary T2G 3Y6 or The Arthritis Society #105, 1305-8 St. S.W. Calgary T2R 1B7.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.