Twa, Mary Jean Stern (Sam)
Gold Canyon, AZ. Mary Jean (Sam) Twa, age 75, died peacefully on December 11, 2012 at the Hospice of Arizona Greenfield House in Mesa, AZ. Sam was born February 10, 1937, in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Everett Stern and Viola Stern Phillips. She is preceded in death by her parents and by her son, David Lee Burdick. Sam thoroughly enjoyed her wonderful life for the past 25 years in Arizona among her many friends at Mountainbrook Village in Gold Canyon, Arizona. She loved to play water volleyball at Mountainbrook and attended the many social events in her community. She loved all animals but most importantly loved the companionship of her dogs, especially Trixie and Tess. One of her greatest joys in life was as a member of the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, where she regularly attended services and sang in the choir for many years, including solos. She was also a member of Sweet Adelines and Mountain Brook Village Voices, and sang with her mother and others in barbershop quartets. In all she did, she will be most remembered for her great smile and her wonderful, warm personality. Sam graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in the spring of 1955. She had two loving sons, Dave and Greg. In 2010, Sam married Jack Twa. Sam and Jack spent the summer months in Canada and the winter months in Arizona, always among their many friends and family. Although their time together was short, "Sam and Jack" were perfect companions. Sam is survived by her husband Jack Twa of Gold Canyon, AZ; sister, Beverly and her husband Dr. Don McCleve of Los Gatos, CA; son, Greg Burdick and wife Sherry of Cypress, TX; grandchildren Michael and Anne Marie Burdick; three nieces and three nephews; step-family Mark, Liz, Alex and Amy Clawson of Mahomet, IL; and many other relatives and close friends. In honor of Sam, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in her name to Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118, in care of the church’s Food Bank.