Doris Bursheim

In honor of both Doris Bursheim and her sister, Kathleen Kamp, the family will host an afternoon tea at Lingonberry's (on Ortonville's Main Street) on Sunday, October 23, from 1 to 2:30 PM.

This event will be for family, friends, caregivers, hospice workers and volunteers, medical personnel, and for those people in the public whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer's. We hope that you will join us!

Doris Betts Bursheim of Ortonville, Minnesota, formerly of Sun City, Arizona, died on September 13, 2016. She was born March 26, 1926 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. As a young person, Doris lived most of her life in Michigan and then relocated to Arizona in the 1950s. She was a hairdresser throughout her professional life and had her own salon in Tombstone, Arizona. She had many fascinating memories of living in the rural West in the 50s. She had a great love and appreciation of Native American arts and culture. She met her future husband, Carlton Bursheim (born in Summit, SD), while living in Tombstone. Carlton had a very privileged professional life with the military. They lived in San Francisco so that he could attend an international language school in Monterey. While there, they loved traveling the California coast. In particular, Doris enjoyed Carmel-by-the-Sea. Later, they lived in Landstuhl, Germany, for three years and fully enjoyed the European lifestyle. In Europe, Doris enjoyed showing her international champion Afghan hound while Carlton hobbie raced his 1956 Jaguar convertible. Later, Doris spent years living in Michigan and then relocated back to Arizona with her two daughters. In 2008 Doris and her sister Kathleen Kamp moved from Sun City, Arizona to Minnesota to be closer to family.

Doris was the oldest daughter of Edith Doris Kamp of Cheshire, England and Uffa Kamp of Thisted, Denmark. Edith Fraser of Sandiway, England is her remaining sister. She recently lost her younger sister, Kathleen Kamp, this past June due to Alzheimer's. Doris was the mother of Kathleen Marihart of Madison, Minnesota, and Edie Barrett of Ortonville, Minnesota. She was the grandmother of Corina Kells of Madison, Minnesota and Iain Kells (Lucy) of Rapid City, South Dakota and great-grandmother to Gracie and Collin Kells of Rapid City, South Dakota.

Family members have been asked to offer reflections about Doris.
Sister, Edith Fraser of Sandiway, England: On my trips to Arizona, I had plenty of time to spend with my sister, Doris. She had a big personality – was larger than life – a force of nature. Even now, it's hard for me to believe that she is gone. It seems nearly impossible, and the fact is, I simply don't want to accept it. I felt that she could conquer anything. She was a very social person and was able to be present for people and appreciate their story. She was a quick study, but at the same time she managed not to be judgmental. She always loved a good adventure and was very spontaneous. Anytime Doris was around it meant that we would be on the go! She was very committed to family and was incredibly proud of her two daughters. In 2013, at the age of 80, I returned to the United States and was in Ortonville, Minnesota to be reunited with my two sisters and family. I was there for three weeks and thoroughly enjoyed our time together, and now that both my sisters have passed, I treasure those memories even more.

Daughter, Kathleen Marihart of Madison, Minnesota: I appreciated the adventurous spirit of my mother. She had the opportunity to travel and live in various parts of the United States and Europe. She lived in Michigan, California, Arizona, Texas, and Germany. She traveled extensively in England, and thoroughly enjoyed Switzerland, Belgium, France, Denmark, and Austria. Her adventurous spirit stayed with her throughout her life. She had a talent in finding the most obscure locations: like small art towns in Arizona such as Tubac, Carefree, and Jerome, as well as great shops and wonderful picturesque spots all over the state. I think I have a bit of her adventurous spirt!

Daughter, Edie Barrett of Ortonville, Minnesota: I think of my mother as having an amazing character arc. She had significant challenges in life, but pulled into the finish line content and surrounded by grace. She was fiercely independent and boldly original. There were many things I appreciated about my mother: there was nothing she loved more than a great garage sale or estate sale! She felt if you hadn't found a treasure, you hadn't looked hard enough. She had an astute eye for quality, whether that was in art, jewelry, china, or in furniture. I enjoyed her European sensibilities and her appreciation for an afternoon cup of tea. She was very committed to natural health and healing and had an amazing library of resources. I would define her as a homeopath. If anything ailed you, she had a suggestion or would do research to find helpful alternatives. My mother always believed in me without any reservation. If I had a vision or a goal--whatever it was--it was absolutely possible from her perspective. I appreciated her as a person and a friend. I will miss her goodness and generosity. I will always love and be grateful for my mother.

Granddaughter, Corina Kells of Madison, MN: A favorite thing my grandmother and I did together was going to the pool. Years ago, when I would visit her in Arizona, we spent part of everyday swimming. I treasure those memories! As she got older, we went out less, but we still had plenty of tea parties and lots of story time. I cannot put into words the strength this woman instilled in me. She helped teach me, by example, what it means to be a brave and strong woman. This has resulted in me standing up to social injustice and bringing light to difficult issues, which I do through my art. She loved me for me, without judgment, and that alone is an incredible gift. There will be no more books to read together and no more rushing to her side when I need a dose of her stunning smile that always popped-up when I walked into a room. My grandmother's unconditional love will always fill my heart. I will always treasure my memories with her. I know one day we will be basking on the beach together, swimming, and laughing so hard that our stomachs hurt. I love you Grandma!!!

As a family, we would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff and nurses at Hilltop Assisted Living in Madison, Minnesota, Fairway View and Northridge Nursing Home in Ortonville, Minnesota. We are grateful for the kindness and competency of the staff, nurses, and doctors at Ortonville Area Health Services. We would like to express our deep gratitude for the care providers at Rice Hospice.

Sympathy cards may be mailed to The Doris Bursheim Family at 741 Highland Highway, Ortonville, MN 56278. Cards will be forwarded to Edith Fraser in England. In honor of both Kathleen Kamp and Doris Bursheim the family will host an afternoon tea at Lingonberry's on Sunday, October 23 from 1 to 2:30 PM. This event will be for family, friends, caregivers, hospice workers and volunteers, medical personnel, and for those people in the public whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer's. We hope that you will join us! At 3 o'clock there will be a private burial of our grandmother, our mother, and our aunt at the Clinton Cemetery. Rev. David Tonn, of First English Lutheran Church will officiate at the cemetery service.