Hildegard Emma Burgess Sterling

1925 - 2009, Santa Barbara

Courtesy Photo

Heidi Sterling passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Saturday, June 20, 2009. She was a long term resident of Santa Barbara, prior to being recently placed in a care facility.

Heidi was born Hildegard Emma Burgess, in St. Louis, Mo., on April 20, 1925 and was the seventh of eight children born to Harry and Emma Burgess. Heidi lived in and around the St. Louis area until 1967, when she moved to California.

In 1980, Heidi earned her Salesperson License from the California Department of Real Estate, and began a career as a real estate agent in Santa Barbara. In addition to selling local properties, she also managed a number of rental properties. Heidi was such a proficient and knowledgeable property manager that she was actively employed in this capacity until age 80.

Heidi will be remembered by those who knew her as being professionally dedicated, having a great sense of humor, in addition to being a warm and caring friend. She loved to tell funny stories about her life experiences, chit chat with the special people she met, take walks around the neighborhood, and travel whenever possible. Heidi was predeceased by four sisters, Neenah Burgess, Marybelle Serrano, Gertrude Walker, and Maryjeanne Hasenpflug, and two brothers, William Burgess and James Reed Burgess.

Heidi is survived by her loving sister Anne Jenkins (89), dear sister-in-law Evelyn Burgess of St. Louis, beloved son Jack Warren (wife Bonnie), two cherished grandchildren Eric (wife Joanne) and Tracey (husband Aaron), and four great-grandchildren Danielle, Kayla, Matthew and Megan. In addition to her family, Heidi also leaves a host of wonderful friends from the Santa Barbara area, who truly loved her and looked after her during the last few years.

Heidi has been cremated and her ashes will be scattered in accordance with her wishes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Heidi’s memory to the Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Arrangements by Welch-Ryce-Haider Mortuary.

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