Patricia Elizabeth Burden (nee Newcombe) aka “Penny”

(August 8^th, 1939 – October 16^th, 2022) Beloved Sister, Mother, Gramma and Friend, Patricia Elizabeth Burden, or Penny as everyone knew her, passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2022.

Born and raised in Calgary, Penny grew up in Sunalta and Upper Scarboro and was very involved with the Calgary Scouts organization becoming a Guide Leader in the community for many years. She loved growing up in Calgary, joining in the Calgary Stampede dances and was featured in the Stampede Parade as Snow White. Approaching her twenties, she left the city, seeking adventure with the Royal Navy, and relocating to Nova Scotia in 1958 for basic training.  After her time in the Navy, she went on to spend time living and working in the Oil Industry in Houston, TX during the  early 60s before returning to Calgary and marrying in 1964. She had subsequent periods living in Montana, Germany, Edmonton, and Saskatoon all in great support of her husband’s academic studies and career. By 1972, Penny and Dr. Gary Allan Burden moved from Saskatoon to Red Deer as part of a significant growth period at the Red Deer College.  It was here they settled to raise their family and embraced being a part of the faculty at RDC, raising their kids in the West Park community and enjoying all that Red Deer had to offer. Including skiing at Canyon Ski Hill, enjoying the vast trail system, and beautiful parkland region.

As a full-time working Mom, Penny was a successful realtor with Century 21 in Red Deer during the late 70s and early 80s. She then went on to work as a Legal Secretary/Court Commissioner and finally as the Head Receptionist at Chevron before retiring from the conventional workforce and starting her own ceramic arts studio – “Penny B’s Creations” – in the early 90s.

Penny was recognized as a gifted artist as a child and explored art as her passion throughout her life. She was well known for continually teaching various framed artesian crafts, weaving and ceramic art painting from her home with hundreds of students and friends over the years.  She also had a great ability to help others by lending a sympathetic ear, providing practical wisdom and a safe place for friends, neighbors and the countless college students who she provided support to as their “college Mom”. A lifelong feminist, she held firm beliefs about women’s and human rights, animal rights and believed in equality for all! Her lifelong motto was to “Treat others as you would you want to be treated yourself”.

We will remember Penny for her love of good food, as a voracious reader and someone who truly enjoyed live music & dancing. She had incredibly kind eyes that sparkled, an infectious smile and laugh that always lit up the room. A delightful sense of humor and a true grit that only comes from a life well lived. Her Christmas celebrations were legendary! She was unbelievably generous with her gifts and time for others, loving and caring towards her family and friends. She was one of the strongest people we have ever known, and we will truly miss her unwavering support and love forever.

Penny was pre-deceased by her parents, Earl & Grace Newcombe, her brothers Norton and Brian Newcombe, all of Calgary. Her sister-in-law Helga Pfob of Calgary and her brother-in-law Bruce Golke of Houston, TX. She was also pre-deceased by an infant daughter who was born in Montana. She will be deeply missed by her beloved sister Barbara Golke of Houston, TX, her son David Burden of Red Deer, daughter Tamara (Vance) Porter of Calgary and her greatest pride and joy, her grandchildren Noah and Lauren Porter, who brought wonderful love and light to her life. Penny is also survived by nephews Neil (Karen) Golke of Cocoa Beach, FL, and John Newcombe of Calgary and her dear cousin Joan (Bob) Graham of Ottawa, ON.

We would like to thank Dr. Morne Odendaal and Dr. Thomas Lim for the excellent years of care they provided to Penny for her advanced COPD/Emphysema.

The family would also like to sincerely offer our deepest gratitude to Penny’s neighbour and friend of 48 years, Dianne Fowler, for all her care and compassion over the years, especially during the last few months.

Penny was a lifelong animal lover and rescuer who over the years saved countless animals by giving them a loving home. She has requested that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts are to be made to the Central Alberta Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

Cremation arrangements handled by Eventide Funeral Home of Red Deer with a private family internment to follow at Queens Park Cemetery in Calgary.

A Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held at Heritage Ranch on November 7th at 1pm.

 

• Date : 2022-10-16
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home