Julia Ann Burgen

Julia Ann Sanford Burgen Julia Ann was born April 11, 1934 to parents Robert and Julia Sanford. Julia lived in Cisco, Abilene, El Paso, and Dallas, Texas, growing up with her younger siblings, Robert and Connie. After graduation from Hillcrest High School in 1951, Julia attended Southern Methodist University where she was elected to join Phi Beta Kappa, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1956. That same year, she married Jack Gilbert Burgen. Together, they had three daughters, Judy Aschner (husband Henry), Jenny Chapman (Barry), and Jackie Chase (Bob), six grandchildren (Erin, Eric, Jane, Austin, Katie, and Emma), and three great grandchildren (Liam, Sarah, and Henry). After the early years of child-rearing, Julia began a lifelong commitment to environmental preservation in North Texas, beginning with the Texas Committee on Natural Resources. She was a key part of the Arlington Conservation Council and the MPAC Women’s Political Action Committee, as well as actively supporting numerous other groups and causes. During this time, she also earned a Master of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, focusing on education and science. Her tireless work to develop greenspace to effectively accommodate flooding along Johnson Creek in Arlington was successful after years of effort, and recognized by her receipt of the Sierra Club 1995 Environmentalist of the Year award for the State of Texas, and the naming of Julia Burgen Park by the City of Arlington. Her work is evidenced today by beautiful linear parkland protecting homes from the floodplain and providing important natural habitat. Julia’s dedication and effectiveness was recognized by numerous awards, including the Texas Recreation and Parks Society Individual Award in 1989, the Southwest Region of National Recreation and Park Association Award in 1989, Arlington AAUW Outstanding Woman of the Year in 1994, the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in 1995, the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club Evelyn Edens Award in 1996, the League of Women Voters of Texas Individual Award for Excellence in Environmental Awareness in 1996, the Arlington-Star Telegram Woman of the Year in 1996, and the National Delta Gamma Shield Award in 2011. A successful run for Arlington City Council in 1997 led to three terms of service on the Council, from 1997 until 2003, when she decided to step down, though Julia continued serving on the planning and zoning commission and the parks bond committee for several years. She remained dedicated to preservation of habitat and ecosystems throughout her life. Julia enjoyed all manner of traveling, from international trips to backpacking adventures (with a special love for Yosemite and Colorado), and she was a talented educator, particularly of the young, on the wonders and value of nature. Julia was preceded in death by Jack, her beloved husband of 64 years. His loss and that of their wooded home in Arlington, overlooking a creek, caused great grief for her. The family appreciates the care of the compassionate people at Grandbrook Memory Care in Garland, and Anchor of Hope Hospice for helping our mother during this time. This difficult recent period cannot overshadow the happy and purpose-filled life Julia led. Her intelligence and drive made a positive difference for the environment and wildlife of the North Texas area, she educated and inspired innumerable children and adults about the natural world, and she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. Her goodness lives on in the native wildflowers, flocks of Canada Geese, and migrating Monarch butterflies found in the patchwork of wild, natural places in the metroplex, and in the hearts of us that love her. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the pollinator garden project at Julia Burgen Park, Arlington, Texas through Green Arlington Foundation, P.O. Box 264, Arlington, TX 76004-0264, referencing Pollinator Patch in JBP. The Family of Julia Burgen kindly requests that no flowers be sent to funeral, please make a donation in her name to the Green Arlington Foundation.

Julia Ann Burgen

April 11, 1934 - October 3, 2023