Virginia M. Burden

VIRGINIA BURDENVirginia was born August 5, 1920, the 7th of 10 children born toPietro and Lucia Liberatore. She was born at home with the helpof a midwife as were all of her brothers and sisters except forDolly, the youngest, who was born in a hospital. She attended McKees Rocks High School along with her brothers and sisters.While in the 11th grade, medical problems forced her to leave school. In 1960, at the age of 40, she took the GED test and proudly received her High School Diploma. At the age of 19 she went to Cosmetology School and became a beautician. She worked in that profession for several years until the second world the war. During 1942-43, she worked in a defense plant in Coraopolis, PA chrome plating disc brakes for aircraft. In August of 1943, she met her future husband J Lutz through her sister Mary's husband Mike, who worked with J at the railroad. The four double dated and six months later, onFebruary 16, 1944, Virginia and J were married. Approximatelyone year later, on February 15, 1945, their first child, Frances wasborn. Three years later, on May 15, 1948, their second child,Joseph was born. During the first four years of the their marriage they lived withJ 's mother. J and Virginia then lived with her parents and caredfor them until her mother passed away in 1961. On August 18, 1970,after 26 years of marriage, J , after a bout with cancer, passedaway. After J 's passing, Virginia went to live with Fran and herhusband Bob, while they were stationed in Guam with the Air Force.She stayed there until 1972. In 1973, Virginia was back in McKees Rocks, PA, Fran was in Colorado and J was in Texas. Her children decided it best for her to move to Colorado to be near her two grandchildren. While in Denver, Virginia got a job with the American Automobile Association (AAA). In 1974, she met George Burden and after four years of dating, they married. In 1986, after being married for eight years, George passed away from C.O.P.D. After George's passing, Virginia continued to work for AAA until 1989 when, at the age of 69, she retired for the first time. After retiring, she traveled with family and friends to Europe several times, Hawaii anda cruise to the Caribbean. In 1993, at the age of 73, she decided to take on a part-time job in a middle school cafeteria. She worked there for three years until 1996, when she had both knee and back surgeries. At that point she decided to stop working and live life. She enjoyed visiting her family,especially the grandchildren, friends, dancing and above all cooking. Her Italian Pizzelle Cookies were to die for. Virginia lived in several independent senior communities until 2009 when she moved into B.S.A.L. (Bross Street Assisted Living) in Longmont, Colorado, just minutes from Fran. At B.S.A.L. Virginia found a new family in the staff and residents. She actively participated in their activities and always looked forward to getting out once a week to have her hair done.In her final year Family Hospice of Boulder County became a vital resourcefor her well being, in addition to the B.S.A.L. staff. We thank them all forthe wonderful care they provided in Virginia's final months and days.J & Barb Lutz Bob & Fran Waldrop