10/05/2008: "Elizabeth Burton"

March 16, 1926 - October 1, 2008
Elizabeth Ann Burton passed away October 1st at the University of Washington Medical Center. She was 82 years old. Born March 16, 1926 to Inez Worman and Paul D. Burton in Bowen, Illinois, she was 6 years old when the family moved to Pontiac, Ilinois. She participated in music activities early in grade school and continued throughout her life. She attended North Park College in Chicago, majoring in voice, and graduated from the American Conservatory of Music. She completed her graduate work at the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University. She was on the faculty of Hull House Music School.

Elizabeth sang professionally as a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus and for 15 years served as the Administrative Assistant to Margaret Hillis, founder and director of the Chorus. She traveled throughout the United States with the Symphony and appeared often at Carnegie Hall.

In 1979 Elizabeth moved from Chicago to Friday Harbor, Washington. The following year she founded the San Juan Singers, a choral group whose repertoire ranged from oratorio and opera to jazz and gospel. She directed the Singers for twenty years, presenting two major concerts each year, and under her leadership the chorus became a beloved and valued part of San Juan Island's music culture. She retired as Director of the San Juan Singers in 2000, but continued to teach private voice and piano students.

Elizabeth had a remarkable zest for life: music, her friends and pupils, island life, family, and her cats made her life very full. She enjoyed spirited discussions about politics or religion. She was a staunch supporter of animal rights, and every day lived her belief that one should harm no living thing.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Paula and Art Ormond, her niece Bethanne (Steve) Niemi, her nephews Paul (Jo), John, and Dan (Maria) Laubhan, and two great-nieces, two great-nephews, and a host of dear friends. She will be greatly missed.

A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.