Longtime Leaburg, Oregon resident, Sunnie Marr Burger, age 101, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Cascade Place in Enumclaw, WA on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023, from age related causes.
Sunnie was born on September 2, 1922 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Ethel and David Weitz. She had two older sisters, Millie and Alice. In 1942 her family moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, CA. The country was at war and the Army had a need for women, so Sunnie joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) and trained as an aerial photographer. After 3 years of service and an honorable discharge, Sunnie married the “love of her life,” Bob Marr, with whom she had two children, Kathleen and Ken.
In the mid-1960’s the family moved to Saratoga, California. Sunnie and Bob Marr Divorced in 1966. Sunnie worked for many years as an administrative assistant in the aerospace industry and as a single parent did a wonderful job providing for her two children. In 1973 she married Bob Burger. In 1980, now retired, Sunnie and Bob, moved to Leaburg, OR to live on the majestic McKenzie River. She lived for 40 happy years in her beautiful home on the McKenzie where she developed many deep and lasting friendships. Sunnie attended McKenzie Bible Fellowship in Vida, OR. In 2019 she moved to Cascade Place in Enumclaw, WA to be closer to family. Sunnie transitioned well and felt at home right away, enjoying being pampered, participating in activities, being physically active and staying mentally fit by playing games. Sunnie will always be remembered for her positive outlook on life, wonderful but not always PC sense of humor, her interest in others, her love for cooking healthy meals, her strong personality, feistiness and determination to be in charge of her life and decision making. She had a passion for nature and loved living on the McKenzie River where she enjoyed hosting gatherings of family and friends, centered on food, laughter, and games. She was a dedicated homemaker and after a long day in the kitchen, would reward herself in the evening with a good movie or two. She lived independently and drove a car past the age of 96 and was often seen rollerskating down Greenwood Drive into her 80’s.
Sunnie touched many lives and was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and a sincere friend and inspiration to many. She is sorely missed.
Sunnie was preceded in death by husbands Robert Burger in 1996 and Robert Marr in 2001 and daughter Kathleen Francis in 2015. Surviving Sunnie are her son Ken Marr and ex-daughter-in-law Brigitte Marr of Enumclaw, WA; 4 Grandchildren: Steve (Michelle) McKinney of Clermont, Florida, Elizabeth Turpin of Blue Ridge, GA, Eric (Darci) Francis of Kelso, WA, Aimee (Angus) Fend of Buckley, WA; 10 Great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Sunnie and her family give their heartfelt thanks for the loving care she received for more than 4 years from the amazing caregivers and staff at Cascade Place. They truly are the best. Thank you for treating Sunnie like family and going well beyond the call of duty! CHI Franciscan Hospice staff were crucial in providing care and comfort for Sunnie and were a very helpful support for the family. Sincere thanks to all!
Please share a memory of Sunnie on the Tribute Wall at https://curnowfuneralhome.com/tribute/details/331692/Sunnie-Burger/obituary.html#tribute-start. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Sunnie’s memory. Sunnie is resting at Evergreen Memorial Park, Enumclaw, WA.
A celebration of Sunnie’s life will take place 1 to 4 pm on Saturday June 22, 2024 at the McKenzie Fire and Rescue Training Center,4 2870 McKenzieHwy, Leaburg, OR. Please RSVP to her son, Ken Marr, at smbmemorialrsvp@gmail.co
