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Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

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Tucson, Arizona

Mary Burr Obituary

Mary Anne (Dolly) Burr 8/19/1917 - 5/28/2011 Few people have lived their life with more passion, sense of adventure, love, curiosity, spiritual depth and humor than the "one and only" Mary Anne Burr. Born in Davenport, Iowa of immigrant parents from Romania, she was raised during the depression in a family of ten. She dreamed of a better life and enthusiastically relished an extraordinary one. A flight nurse during World War II in the Pacific, she met her future husband, the dashing flight surgeon, Dr. Sherwood Burr, with whom they raised three children in Tucson: Minda Burr, Sherwood "Woody" Burr (who sadly passed on Thanksgiving, 2009) and Bradley Burr. Mary Anne was an award-winning gymnast, diver and swimmer in her day. She also went back to college and graduated from the U of A with honors at the age of 44 and was actively involved in politics and community service for decades. One of the highlights of her life was co-founding and participating in the festive monthly "Fugitives" social club that lasted for 40 years. She was a world traveler, writer, artist, golfer and card player. Her laugh and zest for life were contagious and she was loved fervently by her friends and family, which grew to include Brad's wife, Cathy Burr and their two daughters, Megan and Maryanne, as well as Woody's wife, Kathryn and their son, Sherwood "Buddy" Burr. Her family threw her a living Memorial and Celebration of life party for her 90th birthday so she could actually enjoy it. So in lieu of a memorial, the family is holding a private service for her. We will all miss her immensely, but there is much comfort in knowing that she is with the Lord. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.

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

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Jun. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Joy Hager

June 28, 2011

Dear Kathy,
Just reading about Dolly today, and am sorry for your loss. What a neat lady she was, and lucky to have you for a daughter-in-law. I hope you and Buddy are well, and happy!

Love,
Joy

Becky Scanlon Needham

June 6, 2011

I have fond memories of your mother during those hot summer months on swim team in Tucson. She was tough, but you just knew she wanted you to do your best. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

June 6, 2011

My condolences to all the family. I remember meeting the beautiful Mrs. Burr when I appeared in My Fair Lady with Minda, way back in the mid-70s. How true,the Dr. and Mrs. Burr were a striking, special couple. My heart goes out to you, Minda.

Judy Winn,
"Mrs. Higgins"
Oceanside, CA

June 6, 2011

Dear Minda, Brad & Cathy, Kathy & Families,
Wanted to extend our sympathies & condolences to all of you on the loss of your mother. She always had the biggest smile on her face! She was at our home on a few occasions for bridal/baby showers. She enjoyed her time with her lady friends. Quite the crew that group was!!! Our thoughts are with all of you at this time.

Sincerely,
Valerie & Sam Levitz

Mary Preble

June 6, 2011

Mary Ann Burr was a light that moved me to tears in an historical oral interview that I did with her. Her caring and compassion as one of the first flight nurses in the Asian Pacific struck a cord for me. I had seen her vivacious spirit in our Republican Woman's Club activities but it all made sense to me when she spoke about her time in Hawaii, specifically meeting your father. Wow, what a life.

June 5, 2011

Dear Minda, Brad, Kathy & children:
I am truly sorry for the loss of your dear Mother & Grandmother. I know you all are comforted by the fact that she is with Jesus, her loving husband and her dear son.
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.

Linda & Mike Leed

June 5, 2011

Dear Burr Family,
My sincerest condolences to you on the passing of your mother and grandmother. She was truly one of a kind! I remember driving to Phoenix for a swim meet with Mrs. Burr and Minda when I was in grade school and learning that both she and I shared the same birthplace

Vicki Vance Stanton

June 5, 2011

Dear Burr Family,
My sincerest condolences to you on the passing of your mother and grandmother. She was truly one of a kind! I have felt a special connection with her since learning years ago that she and I shared the same birthplace. A joyful reunion is taking place in heaven right now.
Blessings to all, Vicki

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Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

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