Obituary of Serena Dawn Stuart

Serena Dawn Stuart was born January 10, 1944 to Robert Allen Stuart and Mary Lorraine Bakken in the Emerald City of Seattle, Washington, where her brother, Theodore Stuart, and sister, Carlene Welnitz, were also born. Serena is survived by her natural born children, Serena L. Burger and Manfred W. Burger; grandsons, Justin Secrest and James Twogood; and granddaughter, Lilian Burger. She also has many children adopted in her tribal pursuing, and the kids her family members would bring home. Over her life and her travels, her family grew as people who met her instantly adopted her. Family was always on her mind, helping art, and creativity that will be her legacy to come. What she hands down are amazing ideas and memories, beautiful artwork, and a ton of rocks, with fun stories of growing up sprinkled in. She’s the type of lady who is not definable. Serena loved rock hounding and the adventures found in that passion, travelling all over with her friends from the Rock Hound Club and likeminded strangers she met along the way. No matter what came of the day while looking for rocks, she would always exclaim, “Today was a good day.” That motto defines her love for adventure and appreciation of life’s experiences. Being a career student of colleges where she learned the fine art of jewelry making, she also dabbled in art of all mediums, various computer classes, and whatever adventure she decided to embark upon. She was also an accomplished architect who collaborated on landmark projects such as the Tacoma Dome. Serena’s Native American heritage was important to her and her faith was amazing. As she always said, “As long as it’s done with good intention!” the spirits will be happy. That was her way, her path she followed in life, exploring many paths that had only made her more enlightened and broadly educated. Serena’s passion for politics was entertaining and at times wildly passionate. She was always thinking about people less fortunate and in need. She had accomplished raising two children on her own, building a great career, and paving a path for her children and grandchildren to follow. Serena is not an easy person to summarize because she’s had and led an amazing life. We are very proud of her and hope we live up to the incredible legacy she left. We can be ourselves and do what we wish… as long as it’s with good intentions. Please leave memories of Serena or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.