Obituary of Sister Joan BURNS

1950 – 2009 Sister Joan Burns of the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis died unexpectedly in Calgary, on Friday, November 27, 2009 at the age of 59 years. Joan was born in Regina, SK and entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis in December 1972. She received her initial religious formation at Newman Theological College in Edmonton AB. Joan received a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary and a Masters of Religious Education from Seattle University. Sister Joan taught at St. Mary’s Junior High School in Medicine Hat (1980-2004) and was director of St. John’s Senior Care Home in Calgary (2004-2008). Joan is mourned by the members of her religious community, her family, colleagues, students, and friends. Joan is survived by her sister Shirley (Tom) Mulligan; brother Patrick (Val) and her sister-in-law Carol Burns of Regina; brother John (Jackie) of Calgary; and sister Maureen (Anil) McVeigh of Red Deer; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents Basil (1988) and Dorothy (2006); and her brother Bob (2003). She will always be lovingly remembered for her faith, sense of humor and compassionate love for those whose lives she touched. Rest in peace Joan, as you so often said to us in our time of need: “There now, doesn’t the Lord take care of His own.” Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (640 – 19th Avenue N.W.) on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Joan’s honour may be made directly to Elizabeth House, P.O. Box 23173 (Mission RPO), Calgary, AB T2S 3B1, Telephone: (403) 228-9724. In living memory of Sister Joan Burns, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.