Vera Burrows

Gig Harbor, WA — Gig Harbor, WA — Vera Burrows nee’ Warka Serha passed at home in Gig Harbor, WA, on June 12, 2023.

Vera’s inspirational life story began when she was born in Ukraine on November 8, 1941. She fought hard to stay alive from her first breath to her last breath, knowing life was precious. Born during WWII, her first five years of life were spent on the run through Ukraine and Poland. Had it not been for the quick wit of her father, Fedir Serha, the intuition of her mother, Anna Serha-Weizer, and the protection of Angels, Vera and her family would have perished many times. Fortunate for them, they landed in a displaced person’s prison camp in Augsburg, Germany. It was in November 1951 that Vera and her family arrived in the United States, settling in a Ukrainian settlement in Denver, Colorado.

Vera attended schools in Denver, graduating from West Denver High School. After graduation, she traveled and lived in various parts of the United States, eventually settling in Tacoma, Washington. Here, she married her first husband, Richard (Rick) Ryan, in 1967.

Vera married her second husband, “the love of her life,” Michael Burrows, in May 1974. Through this union, they blended their family; four from his previous marriage and two from hers. Their “Brady Bunch” family sustained their love through the years, with Mike and Vera celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary this year.

Vera worked full-time as a purchasing agent for the Tacoma News Tribune for 30+ years. She loved being outdoors, working in her yard, picnicking on the beach, and of course catching the last rays of sunshine.

Vera loved her family beyond measure; doing anything for them brought her immense joy. One of her proudest moments was obtaining her American citizenship in April 1996.

Vera is survived by her loving husband, Mike. Her daughters are Shelley Marie, Karri Vesey (Joe), and Shelley Ryan. Her stepchildren are Lisa Gaxiola, Michael J Burrows, Thomas Burrows, and Janine Gramaglia (George). Nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her siblings Mary Barton, John Serha, Natalie Smith (Doug), Mike Serha, Leeza Visconti (Ken), and several nieces and nephews. Her mother Anna and father Fedir preceded her in death, along with seven siblings.

Despite the atrocities she witnessed and endured, she chose to live life to the fullest. Vera was one never to know a stranger. Her door was always open with a smile, a compliment to give, or a hand to help. We will miss and remember her kindness, the twinkle in her eye, and her unending love.

Vera’s memorial service, arranged by Gaffney Funeral Home, will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Calvary Cemetery in Tacoma, WA. Open viewing in the Calvary Cloister Chapel from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by funeral services and interment. Celebration of life: St. Charles Borromeo, 7112 S 12th St, Tacoma, WA.

Memorial donations can be made in Vera’s name to the World Central Kitchen at donate.wck.org. To quote her favorite blessing: “May God bless you, keep you safe through the night, and wake you with the morning light.”