Obituary of Pearl Dorcas Burns

Pearl Dorcas Burns of Calgary passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2005 at the age of 89 years. Pearl was born, raised and spent her life in Calgary. She attended Crescent Heights and then Normal School where she received a Diploma in Bookkeeping. Early in her marriage to Jim Burns (Sr.) she was the Bookkeeper of JF Burns Sand, Gravel and Concrete. She was one of the founding shareholders of Burnco Industries Ltd., and when her and Jim sold their interest they became deeply involved in raising Polled Hereford cattle at the Ten-Jay Stock Ranch. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile, where she played the Snare Drum in their precision marching band. She and Jim attended Grace Presbyterian, DeWinton United and Southwood United Churches. She was a member of Wo-Shi-Lo at Grace Presbyterian Church. She volunteered with Interfaith at Lacombe Home, received a 600 hour award for delivering Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the DeWinton Community Association, and a Friend of Pine Creek. Pearl was an avid five pin bowler and exceptional with her crafts, sewing and knitting. She also played the piano and the organ. As a long time philanthropist, Pearl and husband Jim purchased sixteen Handi-buses and were major donors to Rotary Challenger Park and The Salvation Army Centre of Hope. Pearl is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Patricia Burns of Calgary, Dean and Sheila Burns of DeWinton, AB and daughter Bonnie Costello of Calgary; thirteen grandchildren, Jeff and Kim Burns, Scott Burns and Tracy Wright, Karen and Chris Hamilton, Jodi Costello and George Barian, Laurie Costello, Jim Costello, Dave and Kim Costello; Kerrie and Brad Weber, Crystal Garrson, Nicole Garrson and Chris Beard, Amy Burns, Jason Burns, Cara and Jay Nelson; and nineteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Maisie Kennett of Vancouver, BC and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pearl was predeceased by her husband Jim (Sr.) and her brother and sister-in-law Pryse and Sadie Jones. A CELEBRATION OF PEARL’S LIFE will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel (5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W.) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Douglas H. Powell, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rotary Challenger Park Development Society, c/o Parks Foundation Calgary, 225 – 13th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 1N8, Telephone: (403)974-0751, or directly to The Salvation Army Centre of Hope, 822, 420 – 9th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0R9, Telephone: (403)410-1112. The family would like to express their thanks to the caregivers of the Chinook Care Centre. In living memory of Pearl Burns, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.