Obituary of Jacqueline Jean Burton

With much love and many cherished memories, we celebrate the life of our loving mother, grandma, sister, and friend who passed away unexpectedly from a stroke on Sunday, November 26, 2006 at the age of 71 years. Jacky was born in Belleville, IL, raised in Freeburg, IL and later earned her B.Ed. in Southern Illinois where she met her husband Kenneth Burton. She went on to impact innumerable lives throughout the U.S.A. and in Panama during her many years of teaching elementary school. Upon her retirement to Calgary, her genuine love for helping others led her to volunteer in her grandchildren’s schools, at her church, and in her community. She had recently returned from a much-anticipated and joyful trip to Italy with her brothers and sisters-in-law. Jacky (Grandma) always put others’ needs before her own. She loved listening to and supporting others, telling stories, playing practical jokes, and she had a wonderful sense of humour. Because of her gracious, warm nature, she was welcomed by all at extended family and neighbourhood gatherings as well as her ladies church, scrapbook and bridge groups. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, musicals, cats, and the Dallas Cowboys. Jacky’s greatest pride and joy were her grandchildren – she looked forward to cheering them on in their sports, hearing about their successes and supporting them through difficult times. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed with knowing her. Jacky is survived by her daughter Michele (Rick) Bilan of Calgary; her son Steve (Becky) Burton of Boise, ID; and her grandchildren, Christopher, Kendall, Jennifer, and Valerie. She is also survived by her brothers, Richard (Linda) of Freeburg, IL and Kenneth (Pat) of Monrovia, MD; and her favourite dog “Misty”. Jacky was predeceased by her brother Robert and parents Myrtle and Eugene Sanders. Funeral Services will be held at Deer Park United Church (77 Deer Point Road S.E.) on Thursday, November 30, 2006 at 4:00 p.m. with the Rev. Jennifer Ferguson, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th St. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Jacky Burton, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES FISH CREEK CHAPEL, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.