Mary Lee Burns

There are times when only a Mother’s love can understand our tears, can soothe our sadness, and calm our fears. For a mother’s heart and steadfast love were fashioned by the Angels and sent from God above. Mary Lee Burns passed away on March 21 at MAT-SU Reginal Medical Center, Palmer, Alaska surrounded by her family. Mary Lee, the third of four children of Edwin and Pauline Brown, was born Jan 2, 1940 in Jackson, Michigan. Mary met her future husband, George, in the summer of 1953 at her grandmother’s home. Mary Lee and George were married on Mar 26, 1960 in Jackson, Michigan. As a career Air Force family, Mary Lee and George were blessed with six children born from coast to coast at Dover, Del; Jackson, Mich; Belleville, Ill; Tacoma, Wash; and Torrejon, Spain. The family moved to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska in November 1973. Here, she fell in love with Alaska. Mary settled down as a homemaker and educator of her children. She was an excellent cook and seamstress, preparing food for picnics and other gatherings, and sewing clothing for her children and her daughters Barbie families. She worked for ALASCOM to help support her family. She was involved in the Catholic Church on base teaching Christian doctrine to the children and was an active member of the Legion of Mary. She visited the sick at the Elmendorf hospital and greeted new arrivals to Elmendorf AFB. Mary will be missed by her husband of nearly 64 years; her children Christopher (Karen) of Kansas; Catherine (Jeff) of Texas; Caroline (Robert) of Wasilla, AK, and Julie (Dexter) of Anchorage, AK. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and all siblings; sons Mark and Joseph and granddaughter Sylvia. A graveside service will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in May after the ground can be safely broken. Following service, a celebration of life will be held at the family home, 7928 N. Grouse Loop, Wasilla, AK. In lieu of flowers you may submit donations to support the Alaska Center for the Blind or for the cure of Parkinson Disease. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Legacy Wasilla Heritage Chapel.