MARGARET MATTHEWS BURGESS's Obituary
Margaret Matthews Burgess passed away at home peacefully on November 6, 2017. Born in Dayton, Ohio on March 11, 1925 to Thurman L. and Florence Staeger Matthews, Margaret has resided in Coral Gables since 1932. She was stricken with polio at age 5, but never let that hold her back or dampen her spirits, choosing to focus her energy and dynamism to the benefit of others and betterment of the community. Margaret graduated Salutatorian of her class from Ponce de Leon Senior High, and with friendships she kept her entire life. After high school, Margaret spent a year at Florida State College for Women before returning to study at the Miami School of Applied Arts. There she met Berney Arthur Burgess, her true love and lifelong partner. They married in 1947, raised a family and established a thriving insurance agency. Margaret contributed to her community through her church, Granada Presbyterian, in garden clubs and philanthropic organizations, often working behind the scenes without recognition, which was her way. She was instrumental in planting trees throughout Coral Gables and South Miami-Dade County, finishing construction of planned entrance gates into Coral Gables, supporting Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and preserving the USDA Subtropical Horticulture Research Station in Chapman Field by personally speaking to then Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Espy.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Margaret’s spirit of generosity continue, and gifts be considered to Fairchild Garden or any community organization that benefits the lives of children, the environment, and the arts.
Margaret was preceded in death by her son, Dennis, and is survived by Berney Burgess her husband of 70 years, her daughter Linda Burgess Dunlap, her grandson Dennis Matthew Burgess, and granddaughter, Margaret Dunlap.
Funeral Service 11:00 AM Friday at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES CHAPEL with reception to follow. Burial Miami Memorial Park at 1:30 pm.
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