Community Mourns Loss Of Andrea Burgess
[Written by Don Burgess]
The Bermuda community is reeling from the death of beloved Andrea Burgess.
Ms. Burgess, 55, died on Tuesday.
She always managed a sunny disposition and a firm belief in God despite the tragedies that fell along her path in this life, including the untimely deaths of two of her children.
Ceola Wilson, who has known Andrea since high school said she was “shocked” by the passing of her friend.
“Like many whose lives she has touched I was shocked into a state of disbelief on hearing of her sudden passing,” Ms Wilson said.
“Whenever I think of Andrea, I think of her big, bright, engaging smile, and her tall, stately stature from way back to our high school days. But most of all I think of her as a pillar of strength in the face of adversity.
“I don’t know too many parents who have had to face the tragedy of burying not one, but two children. My cousin is one, and Andrea is the other. And through it all she stood firm, one tragedy after another including the untimely death of her beloved brother many years ago,” Ms Wilson added.
“There are many hearts left heavy by her death. And I send heartfelt condolences to her family from mine – especially to her daughter and grandchildren. May her warm, loving, and formidable spirit live on forever in the hearts and souls she leaves behind.”
Brenda Jones described her cousin as a “very loving, caring, sharing, honest person. She was someone you can rely on and talk to if you need her she was always there.”
Ms Jones said Andrea’s life revolved around her children and family and how Andrea would always put them first before her own needs.
“Ann was amazing. There is no one like her — she was one of a kind.”
On Facebook, there was a steady stream of tributes for Andrea.
Daron Strother wrote: “You were a role model to me. You taught me that tragedy can be turned to faith… Now I will turn my tears to a smile as you knew how to do.”
Karen Magnum told Bernews that she and Andrea had been friends for over 30 years and is one of the Godmothers to Andrea’s daughter Ebonie. She said Andrea had been living a good life in Costa Rica that was both simple and natural.
“I am still shocked by how sudden this all was. One day she is here and the next day she is gone.
“Andrea had a wonderful spirit. She was always willing to give of herself and listen. Her friendliness and outgoing nature can be shown by the many lives she touched. She helped to mother many young people who always came to her for guidance and support.
Ms Magnum added: “She was a very wise woman and had been following her spiritual path of preaching. I kept telling her she should become a pastor.”
Gail Marshall told Bernews that she wanted the news of Andrea’s passing to be a bad dream.
“The thought of her poor daughter Ebonie and my heart was broken — it was pure shock.”
Ms. Marshall described Andrea as a free spirit, fun loving with a kind heart.
She said Andrea was “one of the strongest women I know. She had such a beautiful smile that would hide her pain and heartache. She just believed and kept the faith and will be missed by every last person she met.”
Rosemarie Pedro quoted Ephesians 4:31-32 as a testimony of how Andrea lived her life.
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Crystal-Rose Fox wrote that Andrea taught her what true forgiveness was – not through words, but by her actions.
Ms Fox added: “I will miss her big smile, vibrant personality and the longest and warmest hugs” she had ever received from a person.
Andrea was a beautiful person and will be missed.
I enjoyed our FB messenger chats.
God be with the family at this time.
S.I.P. my friend. You will be missed. ;-(
This is such sad news. Although I didn’t know Ms. Burgess personally, I admired her strength in the face of such tragedy. The biblical quote was spot on, as I can never forget how she extended forgiveness after a horrendous crime was committed. Not too many people would be able to do that, and it just shows what type of person she was.
R.I.P. Ms. Burgess.
Andrea will be truly missed. She was a valued member of the Bermudian family.
My condolences go out to her family….
May she rest in peace.
Thanks Ceola.
RIP young lady. i never knew Ms. Burgess but from a distance i marvelled at her ability and strength to continue with life given the adversity she endured.
My thoughts of Andrea actually is a eye opener for me, as I had to reflect on just how long we knew each other, and we have known each other for more then 37 years, and in those years I have never know her to change her personality, always sweet,caring,loving and a true friend for life.
Back in the day as was most of our tight nit group, “PARTY ANIMALS”, love to dance,lived to party, So I cherish those times as it always brought a smile to my face, Baby Ann is what I called her, and she would be greatly missed but always loved and cherished.
Thank’s Bernews for highlighting this story and to Ceola and others who contributed their heartfelt feelings.
Not easy, Andrea was a community person and very precious to her family. She kept a positive light on even in difficult times, and was a pillar of strenght. My prayers to the family.
Will truly miss this lady; she was such a nice person. From the years living in Green Acres and Saturdays with Wolves junior football team. Those were the days!! Andrea will never be forgotten.
May all of the Burgess Family in Bermuda and the USA be blessed with only the comfort that God can bestow at this time of Great Loss..Our Andrea was a Beacon of Light and Hope for all of us…All were truly blessed to have had the chance to be surrounded by her compassionate and loving spirit!! Andrea was a Blessing to us all!! May that loving,truthful and sincere spirit she so gladly gave continue to flow in all of us!! Much Love and Peace to Ebonie. Much Love and Pease to all her siblings and surrounding family!! Live on in Her Compassionate Spirit!! Much Love Anna Conklin from New Jersey
Andrea such a beautiful soul ….. I always admired your strengths and will remember always your positive attitude towards life …. Your smile will never be forgotten ……May you rest in peace…. So sad to have died so young ….
I knew Andrea from my place of business and often encountered her after the tragedies of losing her sons. It never ceased to amaze me what a positive, uplifting person she was. She always had a smile and there just seemed to be a bright light that emanated from her very soul. She always had a smile on her face and always had a kind word. Andrea is now at peace and I just pray for strength for her daughter to help her get through this difficult time.
God Bless her daughter….