Margaret Gibson Burr, one of Point Dume’s earliest residents, died March 15 at her home of 63 years. She was 90.
Born in Golden, Colo., Burr grew up on a ranch with three brothers and one sister. She attended the Colorado State College of Education, now known as the University of Northern Colorado, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in education in 1944. Burr then taught English and physical education at a high school in Grand Junction, Colo.
A year later, Burr won a full scholarship to Stanford University, where she earned her master’s degree in physical therapy, from the National Foundation of Hot Sprints, Ga. While at Stanford, she met her future husband, Henry A. Burr, at a graduate student dance in 1946. The couple found they had many common interests, and both enjoyed dancing, particularly with one another. They were married in June 1947 at the Stanford Memorial Chapel.
After graduation, the newlyweds took a trip to Mexico and around the United States. The Burrs moved to Culver City, where Henry worked as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft. They then bought property on Point Dume, built a house, settled into their home in 1950 and started a family. Once the children were in school, Burr worked as a physical therapist at Santa Monica Hospital and later at a private practice in Malibu.
In her earlier years, Burr was an active tennis player, skier, body surfer and gardener. Travel was an important part of the Burr family’s life, and summers were spent taking trips around the U.S. and Canada. After retiring, Burr and her husband traveled all over the world.
Burr was a longtime member of Malibu Presbyterian Church. She was also active in the Juan Cabrillo Elementary School PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Malibu Garden Club. More recently, she participated in Malibu Daughters of the American Revolution, Malibu senior citizens groups and in Santa Monica College Emeritus programs in painting and creative writing.
“Margaret was a down-toearth Colorado gal who loved her California life,” Burr’s family wrote. “She was artistic, creative, adventurous and brave.”
Burr is survived by her children Marguerite Burr Tulloch (Frank); Trish Burr (Bob Johnson); Henry A. Burr III and Erik Burr (Jane); as well as grandchildren Frank Tulloch III; Lillian DeSouza Burr; Amsden DeSouza Burr; Erik Burr Jr. and Allison Burr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, who died in 2000.
In Burr’s memory, the family is hosting an open house at the family home on Sat., March 30 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your charity of choice.