Lisa Gale Burgess

Lisa Gale Burgess, age 53, passed away on February 20, 2017 in Chesapeake, Virginia. She was born at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Washington on May 8, 1963 to Captain Jack and Patricia Coleman. After moving around the US while in the USAF, Lisa’s family returned to Washington where she attended South Kitsap High school in Port Orchard and graduated in 1981. In her senior year, she met and began dating her future husband of 31 years, David Burgess. Both Lisa and David attended the University of Washington in Seattle where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1985. They were married January 4, 1986, and had three children: Alexander, Christopher, and Caitlin Burgess, who were her pride and joy. Lisa is survived by her husband David, her children Alex, Chris and Caitlin, her brother David Coleman, and her granddaughter who is due in June of this year.

Lisa created a loving environment for her family and friends with her selfless service and devotion to others throughout her life. As an Air Force spouse who was swept up into a world of service, sacrifice, and diplomacy, Lisa overcame her natural shyness to become a mentor, roll model, and leader in her communities. She followed her husband to live an adventure of living in 10 different states and spending 14 years overseas in three countries, yet never complained about the challenges and difficulties that came with the military lifestyle. In the years of raising her children, Lisa continued to reach out of her beyond herself to serve as an assistant high school track and field coach, helping to guide the team to claim consecutive European Championships. As she did for her own children, she developed an understanding for the children she coached and met by inspiring them to reach beyond themselves. This ability to touch others, to help them reach their fullest potential no matter how challenging, became a priority in her life that people will always remember her for.

In her spare time, Lisa enjoyed being a part of military wives and spouses groups throughout the years. She was skilled in quilting, basket-weaving, gardening, sewing and scrapbooking, and these projects frequently became cherished gifts to close friends and loved ones. She was an avid reader and truly enjoyed the comforting days of spending time with her family during the holidays, attending her kids’ sporting events, and snow-days around the world. Her proudest achievement was in raising three worldly and wonderfully rounded children with the same sense of family values and service to others.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in Lisa’s memory to either of the following organizations: Seattle Children’s Hospital ( https://giveto.seattlechildrens.org/changealife ) or the Fisher House Foundation ( https://donate.fisherhouse.org/default.aspx?tsid=3147 ).