Elena Madaline Burrow

Elena Madaline Burrow’s birth was June 3, 1923 at 22 Rumsey Street, Seneca Falls, NY, at the home of her parents Nicholas Gallina and Elizabeth Bianchi Gallina. Her arrival brought unsettling news as the doctor asked her father to go and get the burial clothes. He feared the baby was stillborn. When her father returned, Elena had cried and tears of pain turned to joy. At the age of ten, Elena discovered why the doctor had possibly made the error. She realized her heart was on the right side and not the left as it is for most people. She used this uniqueness for her own amusement to play a joke on many doctors, nurses, and medical technicians throughout her years. Elena’s passing was October 20, 2012, after many unselfish years as a loving servant of the Lord, her family, and friends. Her early years at home would define her future. As each of her younger brothers was born, she would become their caregiver and “nurse.” She also looked forward to helping her brother Matt tend to the chickens, goats, and gardens. After graduating from Mynderse Academy, her Uncle Clement Bianchi made it possible for her to attend Christ Hospital School of Nursing in New Jersey. Her fellow nurses characterized her “like the rushing of mighty waters.” Upon graduation as a registered nurse, she was to continue her studies to become a doctor. However, before she could complete her studies, her mother asked her to accompany her younger brother, Anthony, who was ill with rheumatoid arthritis, to a warmer climate. This took her on a journey on the train to Yuma, Arizona. Elena was not prepared for the vast differences in culture and climate. While working in the Yuma Hospital, a patient by the name of William Everett Burrow Jr. came into her care. This chance encounter would result in courtship and marriage. Soon they would add a daughter and son to their family. An opportunity was offered by her brother–in-law to move where they needed workers and nurses. She would travel with her husband, her children, her husband’s brother, Hudson Burrow, and his family, to settle in Newgulf, Texas, where she was employed by Texas Gulf Sulphur. She worked as a shift nurse, then the clinic nurse for Doctors Simons and Johnson, and finally Director of Nurses. When the hospital closed, she worked one year as a school nurse for the Boling School District. She was then hired by Dr. Dennis Voulgaris as his nurse in the Rugley and Blasingame Clinic in Wharton, where she worked until her retirement. After retirement she enjoyed traveling, visiting grandchildren, birthday parties with her friends, volunteering at Wharton Manor, St Joseph BBQ, the Altar Society, and the Catholic Daughters. She spent time working in her garden and welcoming visitors who came for her trusted knowledge of medicine. Elena met life’s challenges and sacrifices with strength, courage and grace. In her later years she was lovingly cared for by her caregivers, Barbara Andersen, Raquel Flores and Carolyn Martinez. The family is also appreciative of the professional assistance of Altus Hospice. She was predeceased by her husband Everett, father and mother, brothers Matteo, Phillip, Anthony, Mario Gallina, sisters Carmela Penna, Phyllis Brown, and Natale Varno. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Elizabeth (Beth) Renfro (Bob), and her son William Everett (Bill) Burrow II (Janet), Nanna’s grandchildren Jonathan Krenek, Larissa Parsons (Mike), Lauren Rothlisberger (Paul), Christopher Burrow, Allison Burrow, her great-grandchildren Rachel Krenek, Logan Parsons, Kaitlyn, Allison, Brynn Rothlisberger, Dusty, Laci, Cody Turner-Parsons, her brothers Matthew, Albert, Joseph Gallina and many nieces and nephews. At her request, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Elena M. Burrow Nursing Scholarship Fund at the Wharton County Junior College 911 E. Boling Hwy Wharton, TX 77488, C/O Mr. Bryce Kocian. The Celebration Mass will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 24, at Holy Family Church, 2011 Briar Lane Wharton, TX. Visitation will be from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Rosary at 12:30.