Valentina Burnside

Dear Nancy and Susan: Thank you so much for taking such good care of Val. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Just to let you know how my wife Sharon and I know Val. Val had been friends with my grand-parents, Louise + Michael Ribnikar and also my mom and dad, Marie (Ribnikar) + Joseph Sweet, in Chicago, beginning back in the 40s or so, until my mom passed in 2000. I guess that I met her a few times when I was a kid in the 60s because she had pictures of us together in front of a house. We kept up the usual Christmas card relationship after 2000, and a few years ago we met her, and your dad, Chet, for lunch in Carmel. We exchanged stories of Chicago, our families, and travels that Ann & Val and Sharon & I made to Slovenia. Val told us where to buy really good Potica in Indy. They made a nice couple, and we enjoyed spending time with them. So sorry for your loss.

Dear Val took me under her wing when I was fresh from secretarial school, on my first assignment through Manpower. From 1982 through 1984, I was a temporary secretary in all four divisions of Lilly Endowment. After she retired in 1983, I have often thought of Val, with her spirit, er twinkling eyes, and her love of dancing. How I wish I had tried harder to contact her! It is heartwarming, however, to learn that she had a dear companion for many of those years.

Cousin Val was always active. Never stopped. Her passing saddens me. I will miss being with her although the times were few. Val and my mother were first cousins with the Story name.Remarkable how she faced challenges. With Regards, Pat

Val, Ann, and Diane were such a big part of our lives we miss them all so much. Diane was my daughter's (Kara Jane) Grandmother and Val her great Grandmother.We loved to go to Va'ls and look at all her flowers and birdwatch, go to all the museums and craft. I am sure her and Diane are watching over us and laughing at their great and great-great grandbabies. They are greatly missed.

Oh I am so very saddened to hear of dear Val's passing. I was Val's next door neighbor on Manning Road in Indianapolis. My boys and I affectionately called her "Mrs. Burnside". Val took such delight in watching my boys when they were young. She had them over for cookies. She taught us about butterfly bushes, Paw Paw trees, gardening and birds. I will plant a tree in her name at Eagle Creek to join her daughter. I loved Mrs. Burnside. She influenced my life. She had a remarkable exuberance for life and energy that made you want to be near her. She taught me gardening secrets, and invited me over in the evenings to visit. She wrote my boys the sweetest birthday cards. She called me on that heartbreaking day when she lost her daughter Diane - she loved her so much! God bless you Val and give you lots of gardens to tend, and birds to watch, and little boys to bring joy too. Your are such a kind soul. I love you, your neighbor, Carole.