Birth date: Mar 5, 1919 Death date: Nov 11, 2009
Pearl was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and spent her childhood on a farm in New Westminster. She was the fourth of William and Trina Burk's 6 children. It was a nice childhood growing up with 3 older brothers, Arthur, Roy, Read Obituary
We are thinking of you today and wish we could be at Pearl's service. Our mothers were such good friends for so many, many years, and we too have great memories of her. She came to many celebrations at our home in Tacoma; she was always so happy to have been invited to a party!
She was a great lady in every sense of the word.
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Delores Luttropp, Viola Woods' daughter in Idaho##imported-begin##Delores Luttropp##imported-end##
I am Katie Randall, the younger of Pearl's two granddaughters. I spoke at Pearl's memorial service today and was asked to share my words on-line for those who were unable to attend.
I am going to take a few minutes today to share a bit about my grandma. When I began gathering my thoughts about Pearl my mind raced and a hundred different memories bounced through my brain. What should I share with everyone today? So, to start, I began writing these memories down. When I finished jotting them down, hours later, I realized that each memory I had of Pearl was a happy memory and we shared many good times.
The first memory I want to share is of Pearl’s affinity for pin-curls. This is one of the first memories that comes to mind for my sister, Laura, and I when we speak about Pearl. Grandma loved to put pin-curls in our hair whenever we would sit still long enough for her to do so. Laura and I vividly remember trying to avoid these opportunities because we didn’t much care for marathon sessions of grandma winding our hair around her index finger and affixing it to our scalp with bobby pins. (You know, I always wondered about those bobby pins. Where did she keep them hidden? I sometimes suspected she had a special pocket sewn into her slacks to house those sharp metal devices.) After looking through photographs I came across one of Pearl holding me as a toddler and pinning my hair. It makes me laugh knowing that she was doing it to me before I was even old enough to remember her doing it. (Mom, thank you for taking that picture, it is truly a classic.) I believe the last time Pearl pinned my hair I was in high school and had to banish myself inside the house the rest of the day for fear someone in public would see me with bobby pins. But, that was okay. It just meant I was inside spending the day with grandma.
I generally considered grandma to be a cosmopolitan, city woman. Much to my surprise I watched her pick up an axe and split kindling wood to start a fire about 20 years ago. My jaw still almost drops when I picture her holding that axe. Needless to say I was quite impressed. I also recall being shocked watching her pick up a paring knife to cut a slug into pieces before it could damage her lawn or flower bed. Grandma evidently had a tiny bit of tomboy in her.
Pearl was always proud of her height and straight posture. She used to have us stand against a wall every time we visited to measure our height. That little piece of wall was certainly marked up by the time we finished growing. Although we came close, neither Laura or I surpassed Pearl’s height. She told us that we were tall girls like she was and we got our height from her side of the family. She said we should feel fortunate that we inherited that Burk family trait.
Pearl was a gardener. In particular I remember she had a hibiscus in a planter on her back patio. It would generally be in bloom during our summer vacation visits. She would take my sister and I out to look at it every morning and we would all be so pleased whenever a new, red flower appeared.
Pearl disliked geese. She would always warn me to watch out for them. I never knew why she held such disdain for geese, but my mom later filled me in. Evidently, Pearl had been chased by an angry goose as a young girl in Canada. To this day I still steer clear of those large birds thanks to her words of wisdom.
Pearl was very social. She enjoyed getting together with her circle of friends to play cards. She spent time volunteering at the gift shop at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Every time she rode the train to visit us in Oregon she made a new friend along the way. Grandma was very personable and caring, ready to share a big smile accompanied by her fabulous laugh. I’m not surprised she made so many friends over the years.
For a number of years my Uncle Chuck would drive Pearl to Oregon to spend Christmas with our family. What a treat! If it wasn’t too snowy we would get to go for walks because Pearl wa
To the family of Pearl Pasic,
I will always remember Pearl as the happy, pleasantly nice person she was, and send my most sincere sympathy to each of you on your sad loss.
With blessings,
Phyllis Kaiser##imported-begin##Phyllis Kaiser##imported-end##
I remember Pearl from our earlier days (1999-2003?) at St. Luke's. She was a very sweet, kind and gentle woman. Please accept our family's sincere condolences and may you be comforted by beautiful memories. May Pearl rest with the Saints in light.##imported-begin##Pam Tinsley##imported-end##
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at time. Pearl was a beautiful, caring friend and will be missed by all. I have so many stories to share with you when I see you. We love your family.
Bob and Elaine Easton##imported-begin##Elaine Easton##imported-end##
