Kathleen Burgess’

Kathleen Burgess

Administrator

Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics

University of Notre Dame

I was born in Niles, Michigan about the time Elvis became famous. I am the oldest of six children. I have four brothers, David, John, Wayne and Steve and one sister Mary. My brother Dave, passed away Dec 24, 2008 and will be greatly missed. 

 

Our family has lived in Niles, MI  for many generations. On my dad's one branch of the tree it dates back to 1824 in Niles. This makes the family one of the first white pioneers of the area. Several years ago I researched a family cemetery North Niles to have it registered with the State of Michigan Historical Landmarks (Johnson Cemetery) . The Historical Marker was approved in the Spring of 2002 and with many family branches contributing to the cost of the marker we installed it the Fall of 2002.  On my mom's side I have great-great-grandparents that were married by Father Sorin of the University of Notre Dame on September 18, 1853. Their names were Michael Gallivan (marriage certificate sp-Galvin) and Honora Crane.  Besides being an American, I guess you could say I am English-Irish-Scottish-Dutch-Swiss-German American (Mutt-American).  I guess I should tell you genealogy is one of my hobbies.

 

Another hobby is collecting old things, especially if it is stuff once property of the family, but not necessarily a family heirloom, mostly sentimental value. We have old family bibles dating back to the early 1800's. I have pieces of furniture that my great grandfather (mom's side) made, over 100 years old- a wooden rocking chair and round oak table. I wear my Grandma's (my father's mother) wedding ring.

I support Land Preservation! My father owns farming property that has been in the family since 1864 (I also worked on getting a Centennial Sign from the State of Michigan for this farm) and another farm since 1919. I hate to see land, especially farm land, bought up, and turned into business or home developments.

I have been married for over 30 years. Terry and I have two sons, Blake (ND double-domer, B.S. & M.S. also is a C.P.A.) and Tate, currently attending Ferris State University in business and works at the Niles YMCA.  Terry has worked for over 32 years with Amtrak, and I have been with the University for 20 years. 

 

My Motto:

Make life a party!

Kathy&Terry

August 26, 1978

Terry