Hedy Lipez Burbank

1940 - 2021

Hedy Lipez Burbank, 80, of New Ashford, died peacefully in her sleep on January 10, 2021, after a number of long illnesses and complications from Covid 19.

She is survived by her children, Sydney J. Lipez, of New Rochelle, NY, and Zachary H. Lipez (Zohra Atash), of New York City, her brother Charles Harris (Kary Harris), her step-children Kelton Burbank (Kathy Burbank), Brooke Burbank, Josh Burbank (Mirium Preus), Betsy Burbank, and her three granddaughters, Phoebe Lan Burbank, Katherine Xian Burbank, and Samara Preus Burbank. She is also survived by her former husband Richard Lipez (Joe Wheaton). She is predeceased by her husband, Kelton "Kim" Miller Burbank. She was well loved, and also leaves a tremendous circle of friends. She will be deeply missed.

Hedy grew up in Port Chester, NY, the daughter of Else and Sidney Harris. She graduated from Swarthmore College with a degree in Philosophy. She later graduated as an RN at Berkshire Community College, was trained as a nurse practitioner at Northeastern University, and earned a Masters Degree in Psychiatric Nursing at Yale. Hedy was well known in Berkshire County for her work at Doyle Detox, the Neighborhood Health Center, and Williams College, as well as her private counselling practice. A lifelong volunteer, Hedy volunteered in Ethiopia and later Zambia with the Peace Corps, numerous times with the Red Cross, and locally with the Elizabeth Freeman Center (formally the Rape Crisis Center), and the New Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, among other organizations. She also ran an HIV/AIDS support group for many years, as well as an eating disorder support group.

Hedy was a voracious reader of mystery novels, favoring series with protagonists who led full and complex lives. With that, she was also a gifted proofreader, having been a first reader for various writers in her life. An excellent cook, she happily experimented in the kitchen, accommodating all her children's and guest's constantly shifting dietary needs. She put coffee in her chocolate chip cookies and somehow made it work. Hedy loved her neighbors and being part of the New Ashford community. Even after retiring from the volunteer fire department, she took great pride in working the election polls. Hedy had the gift for good advice that felt like mothering, mothering that felt like a friend's good advice, and a wry, grounded humility that stood in almost comical contrast to how much she was needed. Hedy also enjoyed reality television more than one would think. But only the nicer shows, like The Voice. More than anything, Hedy loved spending time in the sun. In the days since her retirement, Hedy could be found lounging in her backyard in New Ashford, or at the home she and Kim loved so much in Bisbee, Arizona.

Funeral Notice:

There will be a celebration of Hedy's life at a later date, when Covid restrictions are lifted and all are able to safely gather together. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, the Elizabeth Freeman Center, the New Ashford Volunteer Fire Department, and the North Berkshire EMS of North Adams, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, Pittsfield MA 01201. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.