Elizabeth Burrowes Vierra
July 28, 1937 - May 19, 2021
We all lost a strong, courageous woman on May 19, 2021. Elizabeth Burrowes Vierra was born on July 28,1937. Bette, as she became known, lived a life full of twists and turns that played out more like a bestselling novel, but was a life grounded in what makes life most meaningful: love, faith, family, and determination.
Born as an only child to Robert Jamieson and Dorothy Burrowes in Oakland, CA, Bette
was raised by maternal grandparents and her aunt and uncle. Driven by her love of learning, she graduated from Hayward High in the Bay Area and went on to Cal Berkeley. During this era of the late 50s and early 60s, Bette became an avid Civil Rights activist and began cultivating her lifelong mission and calling to serve others, fight for equality and justice, and make the world a better place, despite how she often found her own life.
Bette married her high school sweetheart, Ken Vierra Sr. and began their life as a young couple in Salt Lake City, Utah where Ken was finishing out his University of Utah football career. Bette and Ken began their family that eventually blessed them with five children. They raised their children in both California and Utah, until they settled into their family home in the Holladay area of Salt Lake City.
Bette raised her family in the Catholic faith, a faith that she remained dedicated to for her lifetime. Her faith was rich, deep, and active. She was a member of St. Ambrose parish council, a room parent at adjacent JE Cosgriff School, and a die-hard athletic booster and fundraiser for Judge Memorial Catholic High School- gifting all five of her children with a solid, Catholic education. Times were often lean, but Bette provided a home that was abundant with love, great food, and friends and family to share it with.
Bette and Ken divorced in 1978. It was at this same time that she learned she had four half-siblings in her life, right when she needed them the most! Bette went on to become close to all four of her siblings as if they had grown up together, cultivating a bond she was very proud of and grateful for. Bette was also reunited with her father Robert. They were able to share a short time together prior to his death. Robert passed on to Bette his Irish heritage that he was very proud of. She embraced this new found identity and found a home with the Salt Lake Hibernian Society. From this point forward, Bette proudly shared with everyone that she was Irish!
Bette began her professional career on the staff of the Crossroads Urban Center, a Salt Lake City agency helping the underserved and marginalized where she had volunteered for years. Bette then moved on to the United Way as an allocations director. She finished her professional years as the Executive Director of the Association for Utah Community Health, where she served in that role for many years, until 2011 when she retired.
Bette loved retirement. It was very common to see her in her gardens, nurturing her prize plants, or on the golf course. She also loved to travel. Bette generously instituted the tradition of taking each of her five children on a trip during these memorable years. She visited Paris, the former Gullah slave region of South Carolina, New Orleans, and Alaska. These trips provided Bette and her five children with treasured memories that will forever be etched in their hearts and minds.
Bette leaves behind her five children, Susan (Dan), Douglas (Stephanie), Kenneth (Andreanna), Christina (David), and Patricia. Her memory lives on with her 18 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many more beloved family members and friends. All of Bette’s family extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the entire staff and all caregivers at The Ridge Foothill, along with Canyon Hospice, especially her nurse Heidi and her loving aide Karley.
To celebrate Bette’s life, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 14th at 11:00 AM at St. Ambrose Parish, 2315 E. Redondo Ave., Salt Lake City. The Funeral Mass and Graveside Service may be viewed by clicking the buttons along the upper-left. The Reception highlights can be viewed by clicking here. She will be laid to rest at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave. and “T” St.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Utah Navajo Health System in Bette’s honor. UNHS provides medical, dental and behavioral health care to Utah Navajo. Donations can be made at unhsinc.org or mailed to: Utah Navajo Health System P.O. Box 130, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534.
In Loving Memory
Please accept our heartfelt condolence for the passing of your beautiful Mother and Grandmother-Bette. I was a young gnarly football player at the University of Utah when Ken was an assistant coach. From time to time there were occasions when Coach Vierra would bring Bette on to the campus and I had the opportunity to meet her. I feel in love instantly. She was so pretty, kind and friendly. She made feel like I was one of her sons. Although I was not around her very much through the years she had a profound impact in my life. The world lost an angle. May your tears soon turn to smiles when ever you think of her. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Ray and Deidra Groth
Dear Vierra Family & Friends - Bette was one of the classiest Women I’ve ever known. I used to babysit her five children (with Sue’s help) when Bette & Ken had an occasional night out during the late 60’s & early 70’s. Or when she went golfing with Marie Gray when Tricia was a baby. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you as you mourn Bette’s loss of life and celebrate her incredible life with memories so dear. May Bette Rest In Peace. Sincerely with love, Charlotte Mates
It was a privilege to have known Bette over our many years and activities shared at St. Ambrose. My sympathy and prayers go to you all for your loss.
There is no way to lessen the sorrow of losing someone so precious to you...but please remember that others care very much and wish you strength and comfort at this sad time. Bette was an amazing and remarkable lady and was greatly appreciated for her kind and thoughtful ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m sorry for your loss. I just read Bette’s obituary. What a wonderful woman! I have a memory I wanted to share. When I was 13 yrs old, I would babysit for Bette and Ken who lived on Douglas Street in SLC. It was an honor to take care of 6 week old Susan on the Saturdays Ken played quarterback for the U of U. I would attend to baby Susan until she fell asleep, then turn on the radio to hear the game. (big U of U fan). They were a beautiful couple with this beautiful baby girl. It definitely was a highlight for me❣️
It was sad to read of the death of Bette as I send condolences to her family. Bette was a wonderful warm person and a pleasure to have known over many years. I wish all peace and comfort at the time of loss. Gary Perryman
So sorry to see Bette's obituary in the Salt Lake Tribune. Sandy and I send our heartfelt condolences to all her family. We were neighbors at Capstone from 1996-2016 with her and got to know Bette and a good number of her children and grandchildren hanging out at the pool! Bette was a beautiful lady, inside and out, with a quick wit and charming personality! I also ran into her many times at Forest Dale Golf Course where we both enjoyed playing a quick round. May God bless Bette and comfort you all in her earthly loss.
She was a beautiful woman and soul... she will be missed
Dear Sue, Doug, Kenny, Tina, and Trish, We are so sorry to hear about Bette. She was a beautiful lady, inside and out, and she had loving, amazing children surrounding her, her whole life. I remember her supporting all her children and grandchildren over the many years I knew her. I was fortunate to see her at many events throughout my life, and was able to see the love she had for her family, and to see that love returned to her. Love and condolences to all of you from the Emerys. Patty, Larry, Ryan, and Larni
Dear Kenny, and Sibs- My most sincere condolences to your family at this time. Your family often crosses my mind and I remember back to our childhood and the kind and loveing parents that have always extended themselves to me and our family. Your extended family and touched my own several times over the years and has always left me thankful for our community and connection. God Speed Mrs. Vierra- one of your many Irish Mexican friends... Miguel
This is long overdue but I still want to send my condolences. This is aimed primarily at Betty's kids. When I think of your mom, grace, beauty, and giggles come to mind. You're mom was beautiful. Her smile alone was captivating. I remember her hosting our family for New Years bowl games and Sunday dinners when your dad would make homemade ice cream. She was a gift to my mom as one of her best friends. The giggles (that are so endearing in my mind) came after their golf games or bridge games when she would say, "Oh, Roxy, I didn't play very well". She would flash her fabulous smile and giggle. Then my mom, your mom and I would all giggle together. Nice memories.
In Loving Memory
