Elizabeth Burrowes Vierra

Friday, Jun. 11, 2021

Elizabeth Burrowes Vierra

July 28, 1937 ~ May 19, 2021

We all lost a strong, courageous woman on May 19, 2021. Elizabeth Burrowes Vierra was born on July 28, 1937 in Oakland, California. The only child of Robert Jamieson and Dorothy Burrowes, Bette was raised by maternal grandparents and her aunt and uncle. She graduated from Hayward High School in the Bay Area and went on to the University of California, Berkeley. Bette became an avid civil rights activist and began cultivating her lifelong mission and calling to serve others.

Bette married her high school sweetheart, Ken Vierra Sr., and they began their life as a young couple in Salt Lake City. They were eventually blessed with five children. They raised their children in both California and Utah, until they settled into their family home in the Holladay area of Salt Lake City.

Bette raised her family in the Catholic faith, a faith that she remained dedicated to for her lifetime. She was a member of the St. Ambrose parish council, a room parent at the adjacent J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School, and a die-hard athletic booster and fundraiser for Judge Memorial Catholic High School – gifting all five of her children with a solid, Catholic education. 

Bette and Ken divorced in 1978. It was at this same time that she learned she had four half-siblings in her life. Bette was also reunited with her father Robert. 

Bette began her professional career on the staff of the Crossroads Urban Center, a Salt Lake City agency helping the underserved and marginalized, where she had volunteered for years. Bette then moved on to the United Way as an allocations director. She finished her professional years as the executive director of the Association for Utah Community Health until 2011 when she retired.

Bette leaves behind her five children, Susan (Dan), Douglas (Stephanie), Kenneth (Andreanna), Christina (David) and Patricia. Her memory lives on with her 18 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many more beloved family members and friends. All of Bette’s family extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the entire staff and all caregivers at The Ridge Foothill, along with Canyon Hospice, especially her nurse Heidi and her loving aide Karley.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, June 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Ambrose Parish, 2315 E. Redondo Ave., Salt Lake City. Bette will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U St., Salt Lake City. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Utah Navajo Health System in Bette’s honor at unhsinc.org or mailed to Utah Navajo Health System P.O. Box 130, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534.