Vyda Arlean Burger, 90, of Ventura, California, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, March 12, 2018 after a brief illness.
The daughter of Clarence L. and Vida Evelyn Schlafke, Vyda was born in Corri, Pennsylvania on June 5, 1927. The family moved West to Los Angeles in the early 1940s, where Vyda joined the Girls Glee Club at John C. Fremont High School, graduating in 1947.
Vyda met her devoted husband William "Bill" Burger at the Baptist church youth group. They were married in the summer of 1949 and moved to Ventura in 1953 while Bill completed his medical residency at Ventura County Hospital. As Bill built up his medical practice Vyda kept busy raising their three children, Susan, Marilynn and James.
Vyda was a member of several charitable groups and social organizations: Ventura County Medical Auxiliary, National Charity League, and P.E.O. Chapter MC. She also served as president of the New West Symphony Design House group. Her dedicated support of the Assistance League of Ventura County began in 1972; she served as chapter president in 1979-1980 and again in 2001-2002, and served multiple terms as Assistance League School Chairman and Girls Club/Teen Club Chairman. Working with the children of the Assistance League School and the Girls Club/Teen Club brought her great joy. Vyda's efforts behind the scenes supporting Assistance League programs earned her the Ada Edwards Laughlin Award in 1997, one of only seven such recipients in Ventura County.
Although Vyda never did learn how to swim, she and Bill frequently took their children on trips to the Channel Islands aboard their sailboat Sumi II. As members of the Ventura Yacht Club Shipmates she and Bill hosted many a party in their backyard before the clubhouse was built.
Vyda loved to entertain and decorate her home for just about every holiday, but Christmas was the big event. Her impressive collection of Santa Claus figures (she lost count at over 100) sprang forth each December to deck every nook and cranny. She loved the spirit of giving and the quality time with family and friends heralded by the Christmas season.
As long as Bill was there, Vyda would go along for all sorts of adventures - from riding a motorcycle through the streets of Mexico to white-water rafting down the Salmon River. She was his copilot on dozens of flights in their Beechcraft Bonanza as members of the Aviation Country Club.
Vyda is survived by her husband of 68 years Dr. William D. Burger; daughters Susan Linscheid (Gary Ludvigson) of Antioch, CA and Marilynn Bullock (John) of Ventura; son Dr. James Burger of Dunsmuir, CA; grandsons Jonathan Linscheid of Concow, CA and Philip Linscheid (Elizabeth) of Ventura; granddaughter Christina Bullock Barkley (Jacob) of Ventura and great-grandson Benjamin Linscheid of Ventura. She is preceded in death by her mother Evelyn Schlafke, father Clarence Schlafke, and brother Clare Schlafke.
Per Vyda's wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Assistance League of Ventura County, 913 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice Staff for their attentive care.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.