Where do I even start with the wonder that is Beth Baker Burke? She is truly a magical soul that has blessed all our lives in so many ways. Her heart is bigger than her physical body and she used both well, to be there for, and heal, so many people by touching not only our bodies but our souls. Her skill with bodywork was beyond compare. As a healer and friend, she saw us. And loved us for ourselves, and delighted in how the Great Spirit was expressed in all our beings.
I’ve been blessed to know Beth for over 25 years, and I have so very many happy memories of spending time with her. We felt as if we were sisters, since we shared many of the same sensibilities, tastes, interests, and opinions. We mirrored each other with our choices of food, clothing, and colorful Asian-Bohemian décor – and a love of gardening.
Her magical energy spilled out beyond the walls of her house and into the garden. Nurturing the plant life to take on forms of amazing beauty that as a landscape became a vehicle for expression and transformation of Spirit. Her home ground was sacred, and we felt it. It drew us in and grounded us as we slowed down and connected with the Earth Mother.
The sacred garden also drew in the crows. Beth talked to her garden visitors and fed them, and they were her friends. From her, I was inspired to make friends with my own feathered neighbors. “Loki” and his mate “Sylvie” have been visiting our yard for several years now, and I’m sure using telepathy to coax us serve them bread and kibble. I feel connected to be able to carry on and expand upon Beth’s tradition.
And her connection will also continue on through her artwork. I have admired the progression of Beth’s skill, starting from the smaller, early, more traditional collages, to the color and texture-laden visions that she grew into. Her work is thoroughly unique and inspired, flowing with expressive energy and it deserves a place in Seattle’s art history. In the same way that Beth could see the world of energy around us, she accessed that vision through her creativity. That is a rare gift we have been lucky to witness.
On a personal level, Beth was always there for me as I grew up and through middle age. She was both a listener and a giver of sage advice – getting me through milestones in my life’s journey and soothing my fears. I could count on her for caring support and clear wisdom. She always felt like “my Beth” …but I know she was in love with all of us, deeply connected with everyone. And so very proud of and passionate for her beautiful family.
Beth will forever be a role model for me as the dynamic, strong, and independent woman who made intelligent choices that kept her vital and sharp right up to the end. We can learn much from her. She was authentic to herself while at the same time having great compassion for others and making connections widely, rippling light and energy across her community, and leaving a mark that will continue to illuminate hearts across Seattle and beyond.
We have been blessed to a high degree this lifetime, to have Beth Baker Burke journey with us, to affect each and every one of our souls here, bringing us to be the best possible expressions of ourselves. Beth’s work on this earth could be no less than this very important alchemy rippling out across space and time through us, her friends and family. With Joy, we will continue to hold her in our hearts with absolute love, until and beyond when we meet up with her again.