My maternal grandmother passed away this morning and took with her one of the kindest souls in the known universe. She taught me much of what I know about being a good person, being competent, and being at peace with creation. I had the chance to say goodbye to her in a long tearful phone call almost immediately before she slipped into permament dementia many months ago. She told me how she felt about me and I reciprocated. She knew what was coming. She weighed under a hundred pounds for almost her entire life, but she is one of the strongest people I know.
Longtime Fairbanksan S.W. Burnie Schoenborn, 81 passed away Aug 19, 2004.
Burnie was born Feb. 21, 1923 to Tom and Lula (Bellefeuille) Walz on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Mahnomen, Minn.
Growing up on a farm during the depression she learned generosity and caring for strangers that remained with her the rest of her life.
After graduating from high school Burnie moved to Long Beach CA to help with the war efforts. She got a job with Lockheed Aircraft and because of her small stature she found herself inside the fuselage of P-38 airplanes as a riveter.
After WWII, her fiancée, Howard Schoenborn asked her to join him in Alaska. She agreed to stay 6 months. They were married October 6, 1947 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Fairbanks and stayed 57 years.
During those years in Alaska, Burnie raised 4 daughters. She always told her girls that there are no barriers to achieving one’s dreams as long as you were willing to work hard.
Burnie and Howard always had extra places at the table, usually filled by their daughters’ friends or a “Fairbanks relative”. During the holidays, Burnie was always sure none of their friends or acquaintances was alone. Burnie and Howard would travel to Copper Center bringing back kids that couldn’t afford to go home, so that they could spend the holidays with a family. This usually meant standing room only at the Schoenborns’ and fun filled holidays.
Burnie was one of the founders of Santa’s Clearing House, spending countless of hours making sure people had food and shelter. She was a member of Humane Society, league of bowlers and supporter of HiPow and St. Raphael charity drives.
Her husband of 52 years, Howard; her parents, three sisters; foster son, Terry Stewart; infant daughter April Rein and grandson Michael Rahoi predeceased her.
She is survived by her daughters, Kayle and son-in law Ahmed Mossalam; Holly and son-in law Louie Sommer; Tacey and son-in law Rick Rahoi; Robyn and son-in law Steve Hovenden; Her grandchildren: Zane (Jill), Damian and Maya La Mountain; Mohamed, Mohanad, Maha and Mona Mossalam; Jeannine and Vernon Sommer; Jon (Elaine) and Robin Rahoi, Rainee (John) Werczynski and Sienna Hovenden; Great grandchildren: Ashley LaMountain; Kealy, Autumn and Teddy Werczynski and Tatiana Rahoi.
A celebration of Burnie’s life will take place at the Immaculate Church Thursday August 23 at 12:10 p.m. A private burial at Birch Hill will follow where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Santa’s Clearing House, care of the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, P.O. Box 70710 Fairbanks Ak, 99707
5 responses so far ↓
1 Or Cop // Aug 20, 2004 at 7:49 pm
Hey Jon,
sorry to hear buddy. I remember all the times we stayed at her house when we were growing up. Well take care and talk to you later.
Rick Lowe
Junction City, Oregon
2 Tempus Propero // Jun 25, 2007 at 5:09 am
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