Aurelia Thomas Burt

Aurelia Thomas Burt January 9, 1937 – July 1, 2026 Aurelia Thomas Burt, a devoted wife, beloved mother and grandmother, treasured teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on January 9, 1937, Aurelia was the cherished daughter and youngest child of Wade Purcell Thomas Sr. and Caroline Brown Thomas. She and her brothers, Wade Purcell Thomas Jr., Carroll Barrington Thomas, and Charles Lee Thomas Sr. grew up in the Stoneleigh neighborhood of Towson, Maryland, in the family home that remained one of the most meaningful places in her life. Years later, she and her husband returned to that beloved home, where they spent the last 35 years creating new memories with family and friends. From an early age, Aurelia brought energy, determination, and a lively competitive spirit to everything she did. An accomplished swimmer, she competed in the Junior Olympics as a backstroke specialist. At Notre Dame Prep, she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime and enjoyed playing on the field hockey team. Later, she discovered tennis and, not surprisingly, became an incredibly competitive player, winning the Club Championship multiple times. Decades later, she embraced golf with the same enthusiasm. As much as she loved the games themselves, what she treasured most were the friendships, laughter, and time spent with the people she loved. Those same qualities—discipline, perseverance, curiosity, and a deep belief in doing things well—shaped Aurelia’s remarkable life in education. For more than six decades, she poured herself into teaching, mentoring, and helping build schools where young people’s lives were transformed. To her family, this work was never simply a career; it was an expression of who she was—patient, generous, principled, and deeply committed to helping others become their best selves. She began her teaching career in 1959 and later served as a teacher and administrator at Roland Park Country School from 1965 to 1993. There, she became known not only for her high standards, but also for her wisdom, compassion, and genuine care for each student. In 1993, Aurelia became a founding faculty member of St. Ignatius Loyola Academy in Baltimore, serving as Academic Counselor and trusted advisor to the Academy’s founder, Fr. William (Bill) Watters, S.J. Over more than two decades, she helped shape the school’s mission, academic vision, faculty, curriculum, and culture. Colleagues sought her counsel often, knowing she would respond with honesty, insight, and grace. Her steady presence and thoughtful guidance became part of the Academy’s foundation, and her influence continues to be felt in its life and purpose today. Aurelia was a founding board member of Cristo Rey Jesuit Baltimore High School and served as chairwoman of the Loyola Early Learning Center Program Committee, helping develop curriculum, establish policies, and create opportunities for future generations of students and educators. As much as Aurelia gave to her work, her greatest joy was always her family. While attending the University of Maryland, she met the love of her life, Richard Carl Burt. They were married on October 10, 1959, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span nearly six decades. More than husband and wife, they were true soulmates—sharing 59 years of love, laughter, faith, devotion, and steady support until Richard’s passing in 2019. Together, they built a home filled with kindness, learning, faith, humor, and a deep love for one another and their family. She is lovingly survived by her sons, Thomas Burt and his wife, Susan, and David Burt and his wife, Janet. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Tyler, Caroline, William, Zoe, and Austin, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride. Nothing made Aurelia happier than showing up for the people she loved. For decades, she faithfully attended her children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events, often cheering from the stands with enthusiasm and pride. She likely watched hundreds of lacrosse games over the years, always eager to encourage her family from the sidelines. Whether in the classroom or at a sporting event, Aurelia made those around her feel supported and loved. She always brought warmth and infectious enthusiasm wherever she went. Aurelia believed deeply in the transformative power of education and in the promise of every child. She had a rare gift for making people feel capable, valued, and encouraged. Her kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength touched thousands of lives and will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the schools she helped build, in the educators she mentored, and in the countless students whose lives were changed by her guidance, encouragement, and belief in them. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace and eternal light of our Lord. We would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and condolences. Arrangements for Aurelia will be private. Contributions may be made to: Loyola Early Learning Center, 801 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

Aurelia Thomas Burt

January 9, 1937 - July 1, 2026