Aurea Burgess

Aurea Mayor Mercurio Burgess, age 71, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, June 10th, 2020 in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, Philippines.

Aurea was born on August 24th, 1948 to Fernando and Rosa Delema (Mayor) Mercurio in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, Philippines. She was a hard working woman who was determined to make a better life for herself and her family. Aurea traveled abroad working as a nanny for many families in Taiwan, Saipan, Guam, Canada, Seattle, and Washington DC. In 1985 she met and married her first husband, Robert Roddy of Montello, WI, bringing her to the US to stay. Shortly after their marriage, Robert passed away from health related complications. While residing in Montello, Aurea cleaned for businesses in the area while also working at the Montello Care Center and started her career at Brakebush Bros.  In December of 1989, she met Robert (Bob) Burgess and they married in March of 1990. Later that year, they welcomed their daughter Bobbi Lyn. In 1994, the family moved to Westfield, WI, where they settled. Aurea continued working for Brakebush Bros until her retirement 28 years later in 2017.

Aurea enjoyed spending her time with her friends and family, playing card games or bingo, and caring for her kitties. She enjoyed being outside and spent much of her time each summer cultivating a large garden from which she graciously shared her harvest with her friends and the community. On days where she would remain inside, she spent time cooking eggrolls for people in the community and for her family. Aurea had a personality that was as beautiful as the flowers she loved to grow, a smile that would light up any room, and a contagious laugh that could make anyone’s day brighter.

Aurea is survived by her daughter Bobbi (Devin) Hoeft; stepdaughters Mary Burgess and Linda (Chris) Husson; stepson Robert (Amber) Burgess; grandchildren Gregory, Katherine, Elizabeth, Arabella, Alex, and Annabella; five great-grandchildren; sisters Adoracion Ragay and Dolores Mercurio; brothers Danilo (Estrelita) and Joel (Mareta) Mercurio; and many other friends and relatives. Aurea was preceded in death by her husband Bob of 28 years, her parents Fernando and Rosa Delema; two sisters, Edith and Virgie; two brothers, Fernando Jr. and Remegio; and two nephews, Randy and Jesus.

Aurea will remain at rest with her parents at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, Philippines. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown, WI on Saturday, July 18th, 2020 at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon at Riverside Park in Watertown immediately after.