Alice Burnham Burley, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, died peacefully at home.
Born on May 24, 1938, to John and Isabel (Stitt) Burnham, Alice grew up in Michigan City, IN, along the shores of Lake Michigan. She carried a lifelong love of the water, sharing her passion for swimming with her four daughters.
While attending Michigan State University, Alice met the love of her life, George “Bud” Burley. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, moving from Detroit to New York City, and from New Jersey to Massachusetts, before settling in Akron, OH where they raised their children. Alice embraced each new community, welcoming friends through the Welcome Wagon, volunteering at local schools and Girl Scouts, checking students’ vision, and participating in neighborhood bridge and craft clubs.
Alice and George put their four children through college while also fulfilling their dream of traveling, visiting all 50 states and numerous international destinations. In 1982, they moved to Tierra Verde, FL, where their adventures continued—rescuing pelicans, traveling, playing cards with friends, and always finding ways to stir up mischief.
She will be fondly remembered for her sharp skills in Skip-Bo and cribbage, her quick wit, and her generous heart.
Alice is survived by her daughters: Julie (Dave Renius), Beth (Mike) Giamati, and Melissa; her eight grandchildren: Matt, Nick, and Meghann; Jessica, Alex, and Thomas; Tony and Nick; and her eight great-grandchildren: Willow, Zoey, Jack, Henry, Matilda, Madeline, Penelope, and Adaline. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; her daughter, Amy; her sister, Mary; and her brothers, Robert and Fred.
Alice’s presence will be deeply missed, and her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Alice’s memory by showing the ones you love how much they mean to you—today and always.
Judy bader
April 21, 2025, 9:10 am
Ali was blessed to have such loving daughters, family and friends. There will always be a special place in my heart for her. Condolences to her family. Glad she’s at peace. Judy
John Foster Blair
April 21, 2025, 10:52 am
We are very sad to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful neighbour and a major part of the Village.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
John and Susan Blair
Sherry Gailbreath
April 21, 2025, 11:05 am
Ali was truly an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many of us here at The Village. I had the good fortune of being her friend and enjoyed many wonderful hours playing Skipbo with her, Shirley Randall, Ruth Truhol, Jane Mauchel, Anne Orr to name just a few of her many friends. I always thought of her as one of our Village’s Grand Dames. She was one of our very first Villagers. She was highly respected and admired, and not just for her expertise as a Master Skipbo player but as a dedicated and loyal friend, loved by many and cherished by all. We were each blessed to spend time on this earth with her, and will forever be shaped by her beauty, grace and humor. And, she will remain forever in our hearts.
Sherry Gailbreath
Dean Hanks
April 21, 2025, 11:29 am
It was such a blessing to have known Ali and all four of her loving daughters!
Ali was loved by all who knew her, and her expertise in games and cards! She will be sorely missed! Prayers and condolences to her family and friends! RIP Ali 🙏❤️👌✝️🥳
Christine Trubol Swanson
April 21, 2025, 2:35 pm
To the girls and grand children and family – my deepest condolences.
I met Ali in the early 1990s when my parents, Ruth and Eric Truhol, moved to VTV as seasonal residents. They became fast friends with Ali and George and took part in many of their adventures.
For many summers I played SkipBo with Ali and a group of ladies on hand held SkipBo devices. Submitting our scores each month. I think Ali or Shirley were the frequent winners.
I always enjoyed seeing Ali swim her morning laps each time I was visiting my parents.
She will be missed by so many but our memories of times spent together in friendship will not fade.
RIP Ali
Denise Bloomer
April 21, 2025, 2:48 pm
Dear Julie, Beth & Melissa,
A mothers love is eternal. ❤️❤️❤️ Our deepest condolences to each of you and your families. Ali was a beautiful and warm hearted woman. I truly enjoyed knowing her and playing cards with her over the years. May she rest peacefully. Memory Eternal
Denise & Alan Bloomer
Jeannie and Vince McCormish
April 21, 2025, 6:14 pm
Dear Julie, Beth, and Melissa,
When your mom came into our Iives in 1966, it opened up a lifetime of friendship. Our two families had so much fun and experiences together. “Ali and Bud “ were always in our words, along with Julie, Beth, Amy, and Melissa. One time when Ali and I were doing dishes, she told me about knowing there were mice around when she saw “footprints in the butter.” Yes, Ali had a great sense of humor along with a huge dose of intelligence, and boundless love for her family and friends. We loved Ali, and she will forever be in our thoughts, Our love to all of you girls and your families, Jeannie and Vince Mc CORMISH
Laurie Clement
April 21, 2025, 9:50 pm
Ali will be greatly missed She and George were wonderful friends to my parents John and Barbara Clement. The Village at Tierra Verde has seen the end of an era.
Much love to the Burley family.
Laurie Clement
Steve Neff
April 22, 2025, 1:23 pm
My condolences to the Burley family. Lots of good memories at the pool in the summers with George and Ali (or Mr. and Mrs. Burley as I knew them, of course) as gracious hosts to a horde of rowdy kids. Very fun and kind people.
Love and hugs,
Steve