Belen Antonio Burlew

Belen Antonio Burlew gained her eternal rest on October 30, 2025, after having fought the good fight against deteriorating health. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Wesley Burlew II; her mother Adela Inserto Antonio (Rabuco); her father Julian Bareng Antonio; her younger sister Norma Inserto Antonio; and her older brother Julian Inserto Antonio, Jr. She is survived by her son, Dexter Antonio Burlew and his wife Brenda L. Burlew (Rosenlund); three lovely granddaughters; one precious great-granddaughter; seven sisters who were her best friends; and 16 adoring nieces and nephews. Belen was a fighter in its truest sense. She fought for her family, her loved ones, and her friends. She fought against the many challenges of her mortal body, doing the best that she could with what she was given.

Belen was born the third of 10 children in Manila, Philippines on March 3, 1947. Belen had a tireless work ethic that enabled her to provide for her family as a single mother, gain a bachelor's degrees in library science (Philippine Women's University) and Nursing (Moorpark College), and care for an ailing husband. She spent most of her professional life working as a Librarian at LaSalle University (Philippines) and Thousand Oaks Library (California). Later, she worked as nurse providing in-home care to the elderly. At one point in her life, Belen held three jobs at one time when her husband John became disabled.

Reading was a passion of Belen. She passed this love of books to her son, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. Belen loved her Filipina culture while also embracing her adopted country of the United States. She was an amazing cook, known for her lumpia, adobo, pancit and different types of relleno (all Filipino cuisine.) She was a talented seamstress, making dresses, curtains, and costumes.

For Belen, family was the most important priority in her life. She was very protective of her only son, Dexter. She was extremely proud of the accomplishments of not only her own children and grandchildren, but she managed to attend each significant milestone of her nieces and nephews. She loved a good family get together and her sisters were always planning the next reunion, the next dinner, the next celebration or the next trip. Belen could not resist a good sale and oftentimes would stock up on bulk items just because it was a good deal.

Belen was also known for her love of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was raised Catholic and then later converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her deep testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and her charismatic personality caused her to share the "good news" to so many people and touched the lives of many. Belen tirelessly served her fellow man, often giving of her own goods while she herself experienced scarcity. She served as a teacher to little children, worked with the youth and volunteered as a librarian in the church resource center. And even as the toll of health challenges and many years of hard work prohibited her from continuing this life of service, she inspired many to follow her example. She left an eternal legacy of faithful followers of Christ who will build upon what she began. Her smile, her infectious enthusiasm, her love of life and her genuine concern for others will be truly missed.

A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Covenant Funeral Service, Stafford. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1399 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA 22554. Interment will follow in Quantico National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. A dinner reception will be held for family and close friends following the interment.