Preceded in death by her parents Pharcellus and Irma Biglow, sister Thelma Giovannoni, brother Vernon Biglow, daughter Sister Linda Burris, OP, husbands George Burris and Antone Peterson plus so many other relatives and friends. Survived by her son Jim Burris, four grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and all who love her. Born in her grandmother’s front bedroom Millie quickly developed the traits that would persist and be enhanced throughout her long life. Many knew her to be intelligent, strong-willed, tenacious, resilient, humorful, generous, tolerant, compassionate and forgiving; all with a feisty, loving flare. Written next to her class photo in the 1935 Antioch High School Blue & Gold – “So well she acted all her parts, with that vivacious versatility.” She became powerfully religious in her belief, practice and example. Many a charity found the generosity of her nature. She would also open her purse in a quiet, hidden way as need be to family or friend. One would be unable to find a more loving and devoted person. She demonstrated an unconditional love – it’s okay to spat but then make up and forget; move on and love one another. Her resiliency and tenacity showed after losing family members or friends. She would mourn then push forward in making a new circle of friends “younger ones keep me active.” She didn’t live in the past but very much in the present. At age 101 she still looked to the future. After suffering an injury or infirmary she worked to be strong in making a comeback. She tried to be independent as her age and capabilities would allow. Her body grew weak but her mind stayed strong. What a full pallet of activities she enjoyed. What stories she could tell that now have fallen into time. There is so much she did with aplomb at one time or another: tap dancing, ballroom dancing and square dancing; opera and theatre; bus rides to casinos; bingo; board games - Aggravation, Rummikub, Scrabble; dominos; card games including bridge, golf and cribbage; basketball as a youth, Ti Chi in her 70s, 300 bicycle leg rotation exercises every day to the end; travel; reading literature and religious readings; working crossword puzzles; eating yummy food; Giants baseball – a fan of Barry Zito; uncounted years of watching Days of Our Lives on TV; playing the piano and organ – her favorite Stardust. So much more, so many stories, so many good times… She enjoyed tasty food whether dining at a fine restaurant or having a Hazel Burger that she loved to eat with late husband Tony on the wharf at the Riverview while watching the seagulls. She ate many a lunch with family and friends at Rick’s on 2nd Street. She was unashamed of her sweet tooth: biscottis; Sees Candy; a Frosty from Wendy’s; tiramisu; and the list goes on… Having worked so many years at Famous Fashions she developed an appreciation for nice clothes. What is clothing without jewelry? She also liked what glittered. In public, she always tried to look spiffy especially while attending Holy Rosary Church, or as a member at functions of the YLI, Women’s Club, Antioch Historical Society, Sons of Italy (though she wasn’t Italian). In earlier years you might have seen her as a volunteer at Sutter Delta Hospital, Native Daughters, American Cancer Society, Soroptimist, or taking tickets at the El Campanil Theater. Then there was also her participation in a sewing club and bridge club. She always dressed the part. She remained youthful in thought and mind right up to her last day. She could see no reason to act her age dancing until midnight on her 100th birthday. Yes, she loved to dance keeping a framed copy of Sydney Carter’s poem Lord of the Dance: I danced in the morning when the world was begun And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun… Rather than dwelling on the past she looked ahead to the next adventure even after time diminished her capabilities. Once an avid traveler she later enjoyed the tales others shared about their own adventures. Her refrigerator door became heavy from her collection of travel magnets from throughout the world. Always an avid reader, she persisted even in later life when her eyesight dimmed. Beginning at an early age her father taught her little rhymes. She became fond of literature and poetry plus enjoyed composing and reciting little rhymes. One anonymous quote found copied in her own handwriting demonstrates her loving nature: Death leaves a mark no one can heal Loves leaves a mark no one can steal She gave a thoughtful message to us all in a 2012 Newspaper article by Trine Gallegos who interviewed Millie when she was age 93 – “Live life to the fullest; take every opportunity you get; be positive and have a happy attitude.” She was a wonderful woman in every one of her roles whether as a mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt great aunt, cousin or friend. She was the best of all of that. Those who knew her loved her. She treated everyone like they were special - including her late cat Harry. Though strong of character and spirit, she had that loving sweet quality about her. Devout in her faith she was full of life, social, funny, generous, kind, intelligent, witty and an inspiration to many. How lucky to have her with us for so long. She drank deeply from the cup of life and savored it all. A private graveside service is being held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Antioch, CA. She would want that in lieu of flowers contributions be made on her behalf to your favorite charity.
