Tributes Read at the Funeral Service

Out of a feeling of profound loss and personal indebtedness, I want to say a few words about Dorothy Burlingham.

She was a very special person, whom I was privileged to know for almost forty years, first as one of my teachers in the War Nurseries, later as my analyst and later still as co-worker at the Hampstead Clinic.

Above all I want to speak of her human qualities, her unusual warmth, empathy and understanding of others, qualities which stood out not only in the analytic situation itself but were also evident in any clinical discussion, where her contributions usually focussed on some new and pertinent aspect that only she could see.

Dorothy Burlingham was unusually modest and unassuming, almost always avoiding the limelight. Yet she always played a vital part backstage. I never felt that this role was imposed on her; rather it was one she felt comfortable and useful in, and one she enjoyed more. She was actively participating and actively involved in what went on in the forefront and aware that her special gifts were complementary, important and highly valued.

She was masterly in encouraging and supporting others and always the first person to communicate appropriate sentiments, whether the occasion was one of joy, of sadness, or of having to cope with disappointment. She always was honest in what she said and always found the right wcrds to convey deep-felt sympathy and understanding. At all times she was ready to offer help to those who needed it.

Her lifelong professional interests and commitments never detracted from her interest and commitment to her children and grandchildren, and this too was communicated to others.

Even when one had to refuse an invitation to participate in some work very close to her heart-a project, for example, connected with her Blind Research Group-she would afterwards send a little note saying how much she respected one's steadfastness in not allowing work to encroach on family life.

In spite of her physical frailness and im