Glenda Burnett

Los Angeles has been “home” for most of her life. She attended 87th St School throughout her grammar school years. She took violin lessons and was the youngest student in the school orchestra. During the 5th grade she broke her left arm two times(!) and had to trade violin for piano. She attended Children's Concerts at the LA Philharmonic regularly. Her love of music has never left. A dozen years ago, she helped establish YOLA (Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles).

Glenda began her "social joining” early in life - starting as a Brownie, moving onto Girl Scouts, then to Job's Daughters and the 4H Club. While in the latter, she raised a colt and rabbits, and learned to sew and preserve food.

In 1948 her family moved to a Granada Hills ranch where her love of horses and animals flourished. She rode her mare named Bess in an equestrian group, “The Granavajos.” It took three days to ride to Santa Barbara where the group rode in the Spanish Days Parade.

At the tender age of 13 she learned to drive in an old Model A. At 16, she was employed as a “Dutch girl” at the Van De Camp bakery where she worked throughout her years attending at UCLA.

While attending San Fernando High School she met Dave, the love of her life. They dated for six years and have been married for 63 years!

Their union was blessed with two wonderful boys who accompanied Mom & Dad on summer camping vacations to every state and every national park in the USA! Wow!!!! Now that's traveling!

Glenda and Dave lived in Maryland for awhile when he was stationed in the Army. Glenda moved back to California to establish a home for them after his military stint. She then taught at Porter Jr. High. During this time she joined the Valley University Women's Club and - guess what? - became their president.

Our Glenda doesn't ever just dip her big toe in - she dives in head first always. Yes, she is indeed a "Wonder Woman”!

For many years, she worked for a design center which sold home furnishings. Desirous to share her love of travel, she and Dave established Wanderlust Travels in 1989 leading tours to about 20 different countries. She and Dave have visited an additional 60+ countries over the years.

Back home, Glenda joined the LA Philharmonic Valley Committee and (you guessed it!) became their president. She successfully established many fundraisers and still supports the LA Philharmonic to this day.

Her beloved sons live in Woodland Hills and in New York state. She and Dave have lived in their current home in Agoura since 1967.

Glenda had been following a column in the local Agoura Acorn newspaper written by Dennis Merritt Jones. A friend brought her  to our spiritual center in Westlake Village when Rev. Dennis was the guest speaker - and Glenda’s been with us ever since!

When asked what advice she’d give to others, Glenda’s response is: "Relax and accept people as they are," and "Don't put any energy into worry.” 

She and Dave both say "We are very grateful for our lives.” Again Glenda, you created a charmed life, a wonderful life - well lived. 

We are delighted to call you our Winter Wonder Woman, 2024!