Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 21, 2022

Norma Helien Schultz Burgess

June 29, 1926 – February 21, 2022

Norma was a patient, kind, and sincere woman who always gave more than she received. She left this world a short five months after the death of her husband of nearly 71 years, Thomas Lowery Burgess, Sr. While Tom was admired and respected by those who knew him, Norma was loved.

Norma was born in Minnetrista, Minnesota, to two teenagers in love. Prohibited from marrying by their parents, as one was Catholic and the other was not, she was put up for adoption. Being illegitimate was an undeserved cross she bore most of her life. By the grace of God, she was adopted by her great-aunt, Juliet Schultz and her husband, Fred. Juliet and Fred were a childless couple who gave her a wonderful life and a loving home. She grew up on a farm in Ohio, where the numerous farm animals were her best friends. She graduated from West Farmington High School with a class of twenty students. The family moved to Tavares, FL when her father’s health required a change of environment.

While working as the secretary to the President of the Mt. Dora Chamber of Commerce, she was introduced to her future husband, Tom, when he needed a date to a Chamber dance. Not impressed at first, she later succumbed to his charms, and they were married on December 19, 1950. Being an only child, she always wanted a large family. They birthed four children in the next five years (she did all the work!): (Katie (Scott) Tyler of Charlotte, William (Augusta) Burgess of Kingston Springs, TN, Lowery (Pia) Burgess of Cream Ridge, NJ and Robert (Marie Eble) Burgess of Seattle; all of whom loved their mother and are eternally grateful for the life, love and nurture she endlessly provided to each.

As was the norm at the time, Norma deferred to her husband on most decisions and gladly moved the family with his career promotions at the Boy Scouts of America in FL, NC, GA, Japan, NJ and, finally, Charlotte. Norma filled the tough job of Mother as her life’s work. She also took on volunteer roles as Den Mother to the boy’s Scout troops, conversational English classes with eager Japanese students, Toast Mistress, Wood Badge graduate, and Sunday School teacher to name a few. As the children completed their education, she took a job as the Secretary to the City Executive for NCNB. When Tom retired in 1987, Norma continued to work for a few years before joining Tom in retirement to travel the world. Often acting as the tour leaders, Tom and Norma coordinated dozens of trips, nationally and internationally, with their many friends, most of whom were in their Christian Home Sunday School class at Providence United Methodist Church, where they were active members. She was an excellent listener and never met a stranger. The pair loved traveling, making new and lasting friends, dancing, cooking, supporting wildlife initiatives and, most of all, helping others.

With Tom’s encouragement, Norma connected with her birth mother before her passing and became close with her daughter (Norma’s half sister), Shirley Wold. Through additional genealogical investigation, she also connected with her birth father’s family, becoming very close to her half-sister, Sue Strusinski; all of whom live in Minnesota. These connections provided a great healing for her.

The children always knew that neither Tom nor Norma would want to live without the other and her decline began a few short weeks after Tom died. In addition to her children, she is survived and lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Katherine Anne Burgess of San Francisco, and Andrew Thomas Burgess of Charlotte. She is sincerely and deeply missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate the lives of Tom and Norma will be held at Providence United Methodist Church at 10:45AM on Monday, September 19, 2022.

Memorials may be made to Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 or Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.