 |
|
|
Broadcast Schedule Talkback   |
 |
|
| Christine signs, "I love you" |
Christine was strong and very happy in November when she accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award from S.A.G.E. in New York City. She was surrounded by her closest friends and admirers. She was among three other famous achievers at the awards ceremony that night and when a portion of her film story was shown on the screen for the audience, she was the only one to be revered with a standing ovation!
When Christine returned to her nursing home in Northampton, she caught a cold and then pneumonia set in. This time she was unable to fight her way through. But she was not alone - four of her most beloved friends tended to her and held her in their arms to the end. Christine did not want a memorial service, instead she asked that she be cremated and her ashes spread over land that grew beautiful things.
Her favorite part of the Annual Golden Threads Celebrations, held the fourth weekend in June, was always the closing ritual. Therefore, on June 27th, 1999, from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, Christine Burton will be honored at "her" 13th Annual Golden Threads Celebration closing ritual and her ashes will later be scattered around "her" maple tree in northern Vermont.
Let us remember how she nurtured and touched the hearts of so many isolated and lonely older lesbians across the nation and yes, from around the world. Let us remember of the "lifting power" she gave lesbians through a common direction and a sense of community that could enable us to get where we are going more quickly and easily. Let us remember that lesbian community means we are willing to accept help and give our help to others. Let us remember her loving of "us" as our example in loving each other and her memory in this act will satisfy her love forever.
In loving sisterhood,
Joy Griffiths
(Director of the Golden Threads organization)
Synopsis | Christine Burton | Filmmakers | Biographies | Resources | ITVS | POV