MARY CHAMBERS BURDETT

BURDETT MARY CHAMBERS
On Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Born July 12, 1925, the daughter of Virginia Lyne and Joseph Osborne Chambers, grew up on Westminster Street in Shadyside. She is survived by her four daughters with George R. Gibbons Jr. Mary Gibbons Dufresne, Jane Carlton Gibbons, Katherine Gibbons Williams, and Louise Maxfield Gibbons; and her step children from her marriage to Robert Burdett, Margaret Burdett and Robert Burdett Jr.; her grandchildren Edouard Wylie Dufresne, Emma Armstrong Cave, Anica Isabel Lanzi, and Giorgio Maxfield Lanzi and her long time dear friend Daniel Michael Aquiline. She spent most of her life in Pittsburgh, actively involved in many aspects of the life in her community. Graduate of Winchester Thurston School and attended Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University) to pursue a career in medicine. After her marriage in 1946 to George R. Gibbons, Jr. and raising her children, she returned to her education. She received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1970 and her M.S.W. (cum laude) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work in 1972. She was a practicing psycho- therapist and a psychiatric social worker. Her impact was her leadership in the creation of end-of-life care in Western Pennsylvania, an early pioneer and lecturer on end-of-life education and a staunch advocate for the use and legalization of the living will. In 1976 she was part of a National Cancer Institute funded demonstration grant to develop cancer rehabilitation. Her interviews with cancer patients and families resulted in the new body of knowledge for "cancer survival". In the mid 1970's she was formative in working with Forbes Health System, to dedicate part of itself to a first-of-its-kind hospice program. Along with Dr. Madalon Amenta she was instrumental in formulating the original hospice staff and volunteer training programs, the basic elements of which are still in use today. She continued as a faculty member of the program and later served on the Professional Advisory Board of Forbes Hospice. In 1990 she joined Calvary Episcopal Church. Throughout her life she was an active member of the congregation, serving on the Vestry, the Parish Council, and the Pastoral Care service. She was a graduate of the Education for Ministry (program of theological studies). Mary was an avid and passionate gardener. She served as a board member for the Garden Club of Allegheny County where she participated in the organization's long range planning, community involvement and financial contributions. In addition she volunteered at Phipps Conservatory, most specifically participating in the design and planting of the Outdoor Garden. She was also involved with Botany in Action. In her 70's, she expressed, that if younger, she would return to studies in ethno-botany combining her passion for horticulture and a deep personal spirituality. In addition to all of her community activism and service, Mary was an avid reader, had a passion for history and was a seasoned world traveler. She went all over the world and was still planning trips at the end of her life. Friends received at McCABE BROS. INC., FUNERAL HOME, 6214 Walnut St., Shadyside on Saturday 3-6pm and Sunday 3-5pm. Funeral Service will be held on Monday in Calvary Episcopal Church at 11am. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, to celebrate a rich life that touched the lives of many, the family suggests contributions to: GILDA'S Club of Western Pennsylvania, 500 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 338-1919; Botany in Action, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, attn: Greg DuFour, One Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3830; Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, Pgh., PA 15206.
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