Rev Ellis from the Swedenborg Church gave a tribute to Caroline.
REV. ELLIS WRITES A BRIEF TRIBUTE TO A REMARKABLE LADY
In Loving Memory of Caroline Burdett: The Boston Church of the New Jerusalem, Inc., Church on the Hill, Swedenborgian, located atop historic Beacon Hill, beside the Massachusetts State House, was Caroline's life long church and the church of her ancestors. Caroline could have exemplified the grandness of Beacon Hill and the grandeur of Bostonian aristocracy, yet, she was down to earth and practical in every way. There was nothing superficial about her, only genuineness to the core of her being. What I stated in the memorial tribute in January 2007, about Caroline was true of everything she embraced, as she had a zest for life that shone through all the severity of her handicap. She was insightful, and yet non-obtrusive with the heart of a saint. I never will forget her fortitude, and her thoughtfulness of others, even when she could have used a much needed boost of morale. She had a developed sense of humor. With her sharp wit she could laugh with others and at life's incongruence. This was the Caroline that always came through for me and for many others who knew her so well.
She graduated as a physical therapist from Boston Bouve School, now part of Northeastern University, and went on to spend 10 years in practice in various area hospitals, including Brigham and Women's. She was a devoted member of her church, and of the beloved teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, scientist, philosopher and theologian, passed down through generations of her family. Yet, with Caroline, her belief was more of a practical guide for life, than a tradition or religion. It was a way of life, as Swedenborg taught, "To worship the Lord is to live a life of service." And this was Caroline at her best, always thinking about how she could help others, and be there for others in their times of happiness, and yes, sadness. During First Night in Boston, Caroline would manage to serve on the First Night staff as greeter and security personnel at various sites of interest, including her own church. She fought the fight, she kept the faith, and now she is at rest in God. Farewell, Caroline you are loved, and you are missed. Sincerely, Rev. G. Steven Ellis, Senior Pastor (Church on the Hill, Swedenborgian, Boston Society of the New Jerusalem.)1