Obituaries: Mary Francis Burgess (March 30, 1925 – March 3, 2011)

Mary Francis Burgess, 85, of Smith River, passed through this life to join her mother, Jenny Lynn Olmsted, father, Hugh Olmsted, and first-born daughter, Lesie Maine, on March 3, 2011, at the Rogue Valley Hospital in Medford, Ore.

Mary’s greatest gift in her life was her unconditional love for her huge extended family and many friends.

Mary was born in Klamath Falls, Ore., on March 30, 1925. During World War II, Mary drove a cab in Richmond, Calif., where she met and married Lloyd Frances and settled in Fresno, Calif. After Lloyd’s death in 1971 Mary entered the real estate field, in which she was very successful. Her favorite times were spent water skiing, dancing and vacationing in Hawaii. While in Oahu in 1974 she met Ned Burgess. After a 2-year long-distance courtship Ned moved to Fresno and worked in the real estate field with Mary. They married on Oct. 6, 1976. In 1979 they purchased two motels in Lake Tahoe, Calif., selling out in 1983 to travel around the United States for the next year and a half. Hawaii became home in 1985. On a trip to the mainland they found Salmon Harbor Resort in Smith River and purchased it in 1990. This has been their home for the past 21 years.

Mary leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Ned, daughter Maryann Stogs-Dill and husband, Gene, son James Colvin and wife Renee, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-granddaughter. Step-children: Nedine Davenport and husband Ted, Fred Burgess and wife Trish, Ned Burgess III and wife Diana, Sandra Burgess, eight grand children, 1 great-grandson and best friend Blanche Gibblin. Numerous nephews and nieces and extended family and friends.

A celebration of life for Mary will be held on March 30, 2011, at 5 p.m. at Salmon Harbor Resort mobile and RV Park in the Recreation room.

— Submitted by Family