Gloria J. Burdick's Obituary
Gloria Burdick passed away peacefully at home on July 25th, 2016.Gloria was 11 years old when she sailed alone with her 9 year-old sister from El Salvador through the Golden Gate to San Francisco. She lived with her aunts in San Francisco, learning English and assimilating into American culture. At fifteen years old, she met the love of her life Duncan, as he chased her one Halloween down a San Francisco street shooting peas at her. Mom and Dad never had eyes for anyone else after that encounter, and upon Dad’s return from his Navy service in WWII, they married.In 1952, they fell in love with the beautiful coastal town of Pacifica, and decided to raise their family in Vallemar and called it home for the next 64 years.Throughout Gloria’s life she volunteered and contributed to her friends, neighbors and community. Gloria was Chairman of the Pacifica March of Dimes and Cancer Drive several times. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, neighborhood watch organizer and the block hostess. Every Easter morning, the neighborhood children were treated to an Easter egg hunt in the Vallemar hills and afterwards treated to a decorated “candy” tree on her patio, with parents joining for coffee and donuts. For the 4th of July, a large bonfire was lit in front of her house, where the entire street would sit around roasting marshmallows and lighting fireworks. In 1957, Gloria was instrumental in getting the Salk polio shots into Pacifica. If there was something that needed organizing, you could find Gloria leading the effort. Whether it was a birthday party, baby shower or petition drive she was the first to step forward.Gloria belonged to a dance troupe in her early 20’s. Using this experience, she volunteered at the Vallemar School producing the holiday plays, creating the themes, scenery, music and costumes. In 1964, she was honored for Service to Education by being selected as a PTA “Life Member.”You could often find her walking around her beloved Vallemar. She was a fierce protector and advocate for its beauty. She participated in many city council meetings, speaking up and fighting to protect, preserve and keep its’ uniqueness intact. The sound of a chainsaw would prompt Gloria to sprint out of the house and demand to see a permit. It is legend how she stood under a tree refusing to move when she saw a group of men attempting to illegally cut down a tree.When Gloria wasn’t cooking and entertaining for her family, she could be found in her garden. She was the heart of her family, creating a beautiful home, loving foundation, and memories her family will forever cherish. She leaves behind a legacy of caring, values of family and home, and an example of unconditional generosity of spirit.Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Duncan; son Steve and grandson Kevin, she is survived by her children, Doug, Phil, Ketty, Ray and Vicky; son and daughter in-laws, Bill, Marijean, and Laurice; beloved Grandmother to grandchildren, Rachael, Christine, Shasta, Jonathan, Katie, Nick, Candice, Joe, Janelle, Matthew and Kyle, and 13 great-grandchildren.A Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 5th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church; 901 Oceana Blvd., Pacifica, CA. Interment will follow at the Skylawn Funeral Home, Hwy 92 and Skyline Blvd., CA. After the Interment, please join the family for a luncheon at the Moore’s in Montara, CA.
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