June Burritt
A life well lived
June 1, 1918 – May 5, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of June Burritt, the matriarch of a British Columbian family spanning five generations. She was approaching her 97th birthday.
June (nee Sara Bates) was born in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan and moved to Vancouver with her widowed mother when she was 12 years old. Their new life was a struggle but they established a legacy of lifelong closeness and devotion to one another in the process. In her teens June joined a young peoples group at Chown Memorial United Church where she met Charlie Burritt. They were married September 6th 1939 and settled in Vancouver where their four children were born, daughters Leonore, Arlene and Pat and son Harvey.
In time June’s family grew to 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren all of whom were nourished with her endless love and care. She had influence over all she met in a subtle and profound way. June’s beautiful smile spread warmth wherever she went. Above all, she lived a life of kindness, service, and humour.
June was a lifelong member of the United Church, and contributed her many talents wherever needed. Many women remember her as their CGIT leader and mentor first from Chown Memorial and then from South Burnaby United, where she and husband Charlie sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and joined the men’s and women’s groups where they both took leadership roles.
June and Charlie’s home in South Burnaby was the centre of many family and church activities over the years. Their annual Easter egg hunt drew children from their church as well as the nearby community. After Charlie’s death in 1980 June continued her involvement with church and community life surrounded by close friends.
In 2003 June moved to Salt Spring Island to be near daughters Arlene and Pat and became one of the first residents of Meadowbrook where she spent 10 happy years. June’s final two years were lived at Lady Minto Residential Care where her gracious manner and loving smile was adored by both staff and residents. Her church family at Salt Spring United was another source of love and support.
June’s family expresses their heart felt gratitude for all the kindness she received from her United Church family, Dr. Dan Kalf and the staff at Lady Minto Hospital E.C.U.
She is survived in her immediate family by son Harvey Burritt and wife Liz, and daughters Lee McAleese and husband Ken, Arlene Dashwood and husband Don, and Pat Webber and husband Joe. June’s husband Charlie Burritt remained the love of her life.
There will be a Memorial Service for June at Salt Spring Island United Church on July 11th at 2.30 PM. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Salt Spring Island United Church or a charity of your choice.