Elizabeth Burch

1936-2024

Pawleys Island Elizabeth Jane Burch passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on March 3, 2024, in Pawleys Island, South Carolina at The Lakes Skilled Nursing Facility.

Daughter of Charles and Mary Smith, Elizabeth was born on February 3, 1936 in Saint Louis, MO. She grew up in Alton Illinois with her brother Philip and graduated from Alton High School. This is where she met her husband and lifetime love, Terry Burch. They were married for 67 years until his passing in 2021.

Elizabeth earned her BA degree from Eastern University in Philadelphia and went on to earn her teaching degree at Holy Names University in Oakland, California. Settling in Orinda California with their three daughters, Elizabeth became an elementary school teacher in the Orinda Union School District and enjoyed a long career, leaving a lasting impact on countless students with her love, patience and enthusiasm.

A devoted Christian, she supported Terry in his pastorship, and they were long term members of Shell Ridge Community Church in Walnut Creek, California. They enjoyed their retirement life living in Rossmoor and were able to travel to some long-awaited destinations. Elizabeth was a member of the International Chapter of the PEO sisterhood , sponsoring many philanthropic projects.

Elizabeth was a loving and supportive friend, and a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was always there to lend a helping hand for those in need and those around her loved her for her positive and gregarious spirit.

She is survived by her three daughters, Mollie Burch Peters, Sarah Sullivan and Mary Gousev, her son in law Douglas Peters as well as her two grandchildren, Shannon Sullivan and Alexander Gousev.

She will be laid to rest alongside her loving husband Terry at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette California.

Any tributes are welcomed to the Food Bank of Contra Costa County in her name.