Jenni (Virginia) Burk
Aug 23, 1939 -
Jan 22, 2020
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Jenni (Virginia) Burk, who passed peacefully in her sleep of natural causes on Jan. 22, 2020. She was born on Aug. 23,1939, in Louisville, Ky. She traveled during her youth, as her stepfather was in the Air Force, and she spent her high school years at Luke Air Force Base, in Litchfield Park, Ariz. Arizona is where she met her first husband and had four children.
She conquered many hardships in her life, never letting them dictate her future. Her top priority was always to make sure her children were protected and loved. She exemplified that life is not what is handed to you, rather it is what you make of it!
It was her unstoppable spirit that spurred her to spent hundreds of hours each year volunteering at various schools and charities that allowed her to share her kindness and generous heart with children and those less fortunate than she. What she lacked in material possessions she made up for in personality and compassion. In 2002, she was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award by then President George Bush. She also received a Commendation of Special Recognition from Arizona Governor Jane Napolitano in 2004.
Jenni lived in Alaska and Washington state, but she always called Arizona home. She liked to brag that she had not worn long pants in over two decades. She loved travel, reading and talking with anyone that had time to sit down and listen. She never met a stranger.
Her family and friends will cherish the memories they are left with. She is preceded in death by her only son, who died at the age of 18. Her ashes will be interred in the Rose Garden at Greenwood Memory Lawn near her son. She was amazing, strong, brave and loving, and there were few who could keep up with her.
In lieu of flowers, her daughter asks that you make a donation to a battered women's shelter in your area. Or, better yet, follow in Jenni's footsteps and volunteer your time to those that need it! Love you and miss you, Mom, every day!
