Merle Lucille Woodburn</br> October 13, 1921 - January 15, 2015
Merle Lucille Woodburn (93) passed away peacefully at home on the morning of January 15, 2015. Merle was a very active member of the Burbank Community where she lived for over 72 years.
Merle was born in Wolf Lake, Illinois to Merle and Dennis Howenstein she lived in Southern Illinois with her parents and sister Pearl Dennisteen (Denne) until 1945, she moved to California after she graduated from Ellis Business College as a legal secretary. After coming to California she met and married Fred L. Maurer in 1946. They met after WWII, Fred had served in the U.S Army Air Corps. He had been a Japanese Prisoner of War for the duration of the war. They settled in Burbank they enjoyed dancing at the American Legion and hosting family gatherings, they had three children Linda, Fred Jr. “Butch” and Marie, who were all members of and attended St. Finbar Church and School. Fred passed away in 1972 after battling lung cancer. Merle is now at home with the Lord along with Fred, Denne, “Butch,” and her grandson Joseph Larsen.
Merle was blessed to have married James D. Woodburn at St. Finbar Church in April 9, 1988, they then combined their families and interests, including traveling, long walks on the beach, and working side by side for various organizations.
Above all, family and friends were one of the most important parts of Merle’s life, she was known for her love, kindness, and a smile that would, “light up” the day. Merle will be missed and loved by her husband, James “Jim” D. Woodburn, her daughters: Linda Larsen and Marie Hrach, Jim’s two sons: James D. Woodburn Jr. M.D., and William Scott Woodburn, Jims’ step daughters; Cynthia Holm, and Deborah Sandberg along with 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, their families and countless friends.
Merle was elected and served as City Clerk of Burbank from 1985-1990, she was the Assistant City Clerk from 1973-1985; she began working for the City of Burbank in 1966 as a legal secretary in the City Attorney’s office. Prior to that she worked for several law firms in Burbank, Los Angeles and Van Nuys including Warner Bros.
Merle was involved in many organizations in Burbank. She belonged to the Burbank Rotary Club, the YMCA, the Burbank Historical Society and the Burbank Sister City Committee. She and Jim were sent to Otta, Japan as representatives of the city of Burbank. Over the years she also served on the Burbank City Employees Credit Union Board, as well as Zonta, The California City Clerk’s Association, The International Institute of Municipal Clerks and The Burbank Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Merle was raised Catholic, after marrying Jim they combined their families and faiths by attending both St. Robert Bellarmine Church and Burbank First Presbyterian Church. She will be remembered on January 31, 2015 at Valley Funeral Home, starting at 1:00 pm with a Catholic Rosary followed at 2:00 with a Memorial Service to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Merle’s name to any of the many organizations she served or to a charity of your choice. A private family interment will be held at San Fernando Mission Cemetery.