Obituary

Erin Elizabeth Burley, age 36 of Phoenix, AZ died June 12, 2019 in Phoenix, AZ. She was born December 29, 1982 in Urbana, IL to John and Barbara Burley but lived her entire life in Arizona. She graduated from Chaparral High School in Scottsdale where she was first chair violin in the orchestra and played trumpet in the marching band. She began her college education at the Manhattan School of Music, NYC then transferred to Arizona State University where she completed her Bachelor’s degree and went on to receive her Master’s degree in music performance, graduating with honors.

Erin was a brilliant violinist who was deeply committed to her profession. She was a violinist in the Burn City String Quartet and frequently played violin in the pit orchestra of musical theater productions throughout the valley. From classical to contemporary to folk, she could play any style. Her proficiency provided her many opportunities to play at a variety of venues ranging from stints with Michael Bublé, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Manheim Steamroller in Las Vegas to a local bluegrass band, The Sonoran Dogs, as well as at weddings, funerals and other intimate events. Her love for her art encouraged her to explore all varieties of music.  She learned many cowboy songs from her close friend Katie Lee. She played with a beautiful intensity that was contagious and inspired everyone to be a better musician and to have fun.

Erin was an extraordinary teacher who was highly respected by her peers.   After playing for several musical events she was asked by St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School to begin a strings program. Several years later she began teaching music full time for the school. Her parents were both professional music teachers so teaching came naturally to her. Though not a professionally trained teacher, she developed her own style of teaching that was highly successful. She was a member of American String Teachers Association. She was passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and gave her heart and soul to her students, loving them as if they were her own children. Her students adored her and brought her endless joy.

Erin had an infectious, kinetic energy. She lived her life with passion and seized every opportunity to take on adventure. From running half marathons to hiking the Grand Canyon, she never turned down an opportunity to challenge herself and to be outside. She loved to travel, enjoying Spain, France, Italy, England, and Ireland, riding elephants in Thailand, and participating in a summer music program in Czechoslovakia. Regardless of where she went, she was always an Arizona girl at heart.

Erin was sassy, hilarious, and super fashionable. She loved vintage clothing and jewelry, although she could make a basic tee shirt look trendy and cool. She loved baking pies, cooking food with tons of flavor and spice, and hosting beautiful parties. She had the unique ability to make anyone that knew her feel treasured and loved. She put everyone before herself and was always thinking about how she could help her friends and family. She was the type of person that would drop her plans on a dime to help someone in need, stay up late into the night crafting presents or making plans to throw her friends parties.  To be loved by her was the greatest honor.

Erin is survived by her mother, Barbara Burley, and her brother, Chris Burley. She was preceded in death by her father, John Burley.

A rosary will be said at 9:30 am followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am, Monday June 24, 2019 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W. Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.