FUNERAL HOME

Hudgel's Swan Funeral Home

1335 S Swan Rd

Tucson, Arizona

Beryl Burt Obituary

Beryl J. Burt 6/16/1934 - 4/5/2015 Beryl Jeanne Burt passed quietly on Easter Sunday. The daughter of Orthel and Dorothy Burt, she was born in Illinois but her family moved to Winslow, Arizona where Beryl graduated High School. She earned a BS in Home Economics Education from the U of AZ and a Master's degree in Home Economics from ASU. Her early professional employment was as extension agent for the 4-H in Yuma and as a Home Economics teacher in Arizona and California. She went on to work for the Experiment in International living chaperoning students for semester long studies to Peru, Mexico and other countries. Beryl retired after a 33 year career as a County 4-H Agent, a State 4-H Specialist and a State 4-H and Rural Development Program Leader. At the time of her retirement she was program director of 4-H and rural development at the University of Arizona. Following her retirement she worked for a year in Costa Rica for the U.S. Agency for International Development. She then became a volunteer for The West, a charity whose fundraising efforts provide grants to qualified Tucson charities. Beryl was widely recognized for her many accomplishments. Being Bilingual she built alliances with and was a consultant to Extension programs in Mexico, Central and South America. Her honors include induction into the AZ Home Economic Association Hall of Fame, the AZ Cooperative Extension Centennial Hall of Fame and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents American Spirit Award. Beryl was the second person from Arizona to be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Beryl was known for her cheerful, positive, take charge attitude. Her family, friends and students benefitted from her loving kindness and organizational skills. Per her request, there will be no Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers donations in Beryl's name can be made to her favorite charity, The West, 5615 E. River Rd, #101, Tucson 85750. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Apr. 12, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Beryl Burt

Not sure what to say?





It's hard to believe that Beryl has been gone over a year! Our family met her when she came to work as 4-H Home Economist for Maricopa Co.,AZ. I say family because when she met you, she then became friends with the whole family. It was sad for us when she then went to work in the U of A 4-H office in Tucson, but my two children and I still visited her on many a weekend in quite a few of her many rental places. We loved the first floor of the big old house with tall ceilings. I visited her in her Green Valley apartment as well. I loved hearing of her working in Walnut Creek, CA and being able to stop on the way home and buy fresh flowers. My 1st trip to Nogales was with Beryl and it was fun to watch when the people realized she knew what they were saying in Spanish. She and I made several visits to Tubac and we learned the 1st time that if either of us saw something we really liked, we'd better get it or the other one would snap it up. We made a fun trip to LA to see the King Tut exhibit and La Brea Tar Pits. I enjoyed hearing of her stays with families in South America and Sweden. Little did I know in the late 80's that I would find out that my mother had many ancestors that came to New Sweden in the 1600's. Later, Beryl went back to Sweden and asked if I wanted to go with her. Alas, I didn't have the money. What a guide she would have been. I have quite a few reminders from Sweden that were gifts from Beryl. When she lived in Phoenix, we loved going to the Scandinavian stores as well as one of the 1st Mexican furniture stores. A real treat was when Beryl had someone in Sweden send her big chunks of Candle Wax for dipping candles. We borrowed a large pot from our office and hand dipped those candles. Without Beryl, I would have never done that. We also made sand cast candles. For my daughter's 4th birthday, I wanted to make her one of those "doll" cakes and went to classes at night in a woman's home in Scottsdale. Beryl also went. One of the funniest experiences was when she was in the basement back office on Madison in Phoenix. She discovered termites were eating her Quantity Cookery book and informed the head County Agent about it and nothing happened. After a time, I saw Beryl go by my office carrying the book. I followed at a distance, up the stairs and low and behold, she marched into his office and laid the book, termites and all on his desk and said something like, "they're still there" and walked back out and down to her office. That got quick action. One time we had to go to a workshop at resort type place with cabins near foothills in Tucson. We about froze to death and piled everything on us to get to sleep at night - coats and all. We were also at a conference at the Pioneer Hotel in Tucson, staying up almost all night to hear the results of Nov 1968 Election. Not much later they had the famous fire in the hotel. I also have some weavings and a painting that were done by artist friends of hers. I wish I knew of Beryl's many friends, who to pass those on to. I almost joined Beryl due to Septic infection that took 3 specialists and 2 urologists and lots of antibiotics to finally to turn it around. After the last stay in Emergency and Intensive Care I was told 10 days later that I came within 24 hours of dying. I can't believe out of all the hundreds of photos I've taken over the years, I don't have any of us with Beryl. Guess we were too busy having a good time! Even written beside my high school photo in yearbook it says "Future News Photographer" and I missed having a photo of Beryl doing all our fun things. I know she's entertaining those near her now and they are having a good time. Beryl, like Bob Hope always said "Thanks for all the memories". They will always be treasured. Beryl you are Truly one of the best people I've ever known. Peggy

Margaret (Peggy) Nesbitt

April 11, 2016

Beryl could have spent her summers lounging comfortably at poolside between swims. Instead, she led groups of adolescents on Experiment journeys to far-off lands, where she and the Experimenters lived with host country families and traveled in country. That took courage, perseverance and energy. My Beryl Burt-led experience in Mexico in the summer of 1964 helped embed me in the Spanish-speaking ethos for the rest of my life.

Phil Freyder

May 5, 2015

Whatever I became professionally I owe, in great part to BB. From her I learned how to enjoy other cultures, to travel, to withhold judgement, to learn another language. In my constellation of teachers she stands out as representing the best values of the American. She took me to Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico in 1964 and today my thoughts are still with her. MIl Gracias a Mi Jefa, Experiment in International Living and living. Con mucha gratitud y tristeza,
Freddy

Fred Dobb

May 4, 2015

Its always nice having someone write about you after your gone, but what about all of us who remember you and don't write.. we all remember how special you were and influenced our lives.. thank you Beryl for being part of our adventure...

tony Argo

April 18, 2015

Beryl dear, We were friends from the time you took me under your wing as a freshman at the University of Ariz. in Pima Hall, the coop dorm. After graduation I and two other "girls" joined you in Yuma where we shared a home. My first teaching assignment.
You were part of the County Extension Service. We had a wonderful and eventful year. We fondly referred to Beryl as "Mother Burt" at times. My future husband, Tony, and Beryl were already friends when I arrived in Yuma. We have remained special friends through the years. Beryl had a remarkable career in her field but even more remarkable was her ability to be friend and enabler to so many people from all walks of life. Our privilege is to have shared in that close friendship.
Norma & Tony Argo

April 18, 2015

Like Jean McGonigle (see her entry), I was fortunate to have Beryl as the Experiment in International Living leader of the 1965-66 Lewis & Clark overseas study program in Peru, and her leadership was invaluable. It took an exceptional person to organize home stays, activities, and excursions in a foreign country. During the rest of her life, Beryl remained dedicated to serving youth and humanity with her expertise and leadership skills. I'll always remember her fondly. Thanks again, Beryl.

John McClelland

April 16, 2015

Beryl dear,
You have meant so much to our family in Munka - and especially to Herta. Thank you.
Maja Lundahl Britta Ljung Anna Auraaen

April 16, 2015

Dear Beryl,
I will always cherish the 51 years of our friendship. You were always there to encourage, support and help me when I needed it. I will miss you but the good memories will always be with me. Con carino, Guillermo

William Sage

April 15, 2015

My dearest Beryl. You have been a part of my life since I was a young child. You had a way of always making me feel I was special. As I grew, we always stayed in touch and I looked forward to your letters. I loved your stories, your approach to life, and the way you hung your artwork... Thank you for being such a presence and blessing to my life. I thank those friends who were with you as you transitioned, it brought me peace to know you were encircled with love. I will truly miss you. Love Lisa.

April 14, 2015

Beryl was a tough yet forgiving coordinator of my Experiment in International Living Program from Lewis and Clark College to Peru. She was a second mom for me, a nineteen year old. She was always there for us exchangees when we needed her. A great model and a great loss.

Jean McGonigle

April 13, 2015

Thank you for everything

Per Ekelund

April 13, 2015

Celebrating your new place of Being BB! Love CA

April 12, 2015

Beryl, You will be missed. Who is going to step in and organize my life now? I will always remember you!

Mark von Destinon

April 12, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Beryl's family and friends. Beryl and I were Pima girls in the 1950s. Pima Hall was a cooperative dormitory at the UofA open to Arizona women. The hall, located on 2nd Street, could hold a maximum of 35 girls. We fixed our meals, served family style, and kept the hall clean so the University did not have to hire a janitor for us. We were a small, close-knit group. There are very few of us Pima girls. I remember Beryl as a cheerful, friendly, outgoing person who always had a good word to say for everyone she met. What a wonderful life Beryl lived. Her passing leaves a vacuum.

Lou Anne Kirby (Allen)

April 12, 2015

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Beryl Burt's name

Memorial Events
for Beryl Burt

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hudgel's Swan Funeral Home

1335 S Swan Rd, Tucson, AZ 85711

How to support Beryl's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Beryl Burt's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more