Marie M. Burgess

Marie M. Burgess was born October 1, 1946 in Jenkins, Kentucky and made her graceful departure from this life at 6:00 a.m., January 24, 2014 with her daughter and three beloved “Wonderdogs” snuggled up with her in bed, just as she’d wished.

After traveling the world as an Air Force brat and completing her education, Mrs. Burgess met and married the love of her life, Will Burgess, and had their daughter, Shannon, before eventually making their home in Stafford County, VA in 1978. Marie spent her career as an event & convention planner, where she was able to continue her love of travel. No matter where she landed, though, Kentucky was always her home. It was there she developed her love of nature—fishing, walking in the woods, gardening and wildlife.

Known to her niece and nephews as “Aunt Dede,” she regularly spent time with them each summer boating, fishing, swimming, bike riding, going to amusement parks and other fun activities at her home that later became known as “Camp Aunt Dede.” Eventually that camp also included her granddaughter, Michaela, Marie’s greatest treasure and joy. She loved being a grandmother and together with her husband, fell in love all over again as they spoiled and loved Michaela as if she were their own baby all over again.

A lover of the arts and culture, Marie was an avid reader, enjoyed attending the theater, concerts, ballets, museums and art galleries—and raised her only child to appreciate them all. She became immersed in her favorite hobby, scrapbooking, started her own business called Ranie Day Designs, and began teaching classes at local scrapbooking stores. The venture was so successful that she bridged her event planning skills with her hobby and, with Shannon’s help, began hosting both one-day & weekend scrapbooking retreats. This, too, was a huge success.

Marie was diagnosed with cancer in May 2012 and the battle was on. Despite many disappointments and detours, Marie never gave up. Even when she should have been in the hospital, she walked the Survivor lap in the Fredericksburg Relay for Life event last June, a goal she’d set months in advance. When her doctors wanted her to take periodic breaks in treatment, her response was, “cancer doesn’t take a break so neither do I.” She never gave up hopes of returning to her old self and her ability to power-walk, swim, ride her bike and live life to the fullest. After giving her life to Christ and being baptized at Mount Ararat with Shannon and Michaela in 2013, there’s no doubt she’s doing all those things and more!!

Marie leaves behind her Mother, Willie Pearl Young; sisters Michelle Y. Green (Oliver) and Adrienne Young-Battle (Keith); daughter, Shannon Maurice-Williams (Michael); granddaughter, Michaela Williams; nephews, Bryan, Brandon and Evan; niece, Aleah; and an enormous circle of supportive extended family & friends, known as "Team Shaniqua," who fought with “Mama Marie” from near and far throughout her fierce battle with cancer. The Wonderdogs, her best caregivers, Max, Riley and Jack, will miss their Nana most of all.

She is predeceased by her husband, Will D. Burgess; step-son, Marcus M. Burgess; and her father, Maj. Eddie L. Young, (USAF Ret.).

The family wishes to give special thanks to Jessica Langer and Tabitha Jefferson for their extra love and support in Marie's final hours.

A memorial service & reception will be held at 12 p.m. Friday, January 31, at Mount Ararat Baptist Church, 1112 Garrisonville Rd., Stafford, VA 22554.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to this GoFundMe site: http://www.gofundme.com/ThisIsHowWeFight