Obituary of Doreen Lillian Mary BURNS

BURNS: On September 27, 2012, at the age of 61 years, Doreen Lillian Mary Burns of Vanguard, SK, passed away peacefully at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK, with her loving family by her side. Doreen was born on October 21, 1950, in Ponteix, SK, the youngest child of Kay and Lloyd Carey. Doreen attended school in Swift Current and graduated in 1969. She then attended business school and worked as a secretary in Regina. Doreen married Lyle Burns on October 11, 1975 in Swift Current and this year would have celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary. They remained in Regina for a short period of time and in April of 1976 they moved to Vanguard. They lived in the same house that Stella and Lawrence Burns lived in as newlyweds. In 1980, they built a new home in the southeast part of Vanguard. They were blessed with two children, Michael in 1978 and Melissa in 1980. Doreen created and taught preschool in Vanguard. She was very involved in the school and community activities, while remaining very active in the farm lifestyle. In 1984, she became the secretary of the Vanguard Community School, a position that she held for over 26 years until her health forced her to retire in 2011. One of Doreen’s proudest moments was becoming a grandmother, to Luc in 2009 and again to Samantha in 2011. Doreen treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. Above all, Doreen loved her family and was very proud of them and will be greatly missed. Doreen is survived by her loving family, husband Lyle Burns of 37 years; son Michael (Mimi) Burns, grandchildren Luc and Samantha; daughter Melissa (Tyler) Lie; mother Kay Yanke; step-father Harvey Yanke; sister Sylvia Martinson; mother-in-law Stella Burns; brothers-in-law Bob (Doris) Burns, Jim (Irene) Burns. Predeceased by her father Lloyd Carey; father-in-law Lawrence Burns. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, October 6, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. from the Vanguard Community School, Vanguard, SK. Master of ceremonies was Greg Shwaga. Urn bearer was Melissa Lie. The eulogy was shared by Michael Burns. Special music by Cassidy Bickner and Jo Carter. Tribute was given by Deb Froyman. Musical accompaniment for the picture memorial, Brooke Bighead. Closing prayer and words of comfort were shared by Beth Reynolds. Interment took place at the Vanguard Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Doreen to the Vanguard Community School, Box 310, Vanguard, SK S0N 2V0, were greatly appreciated. Our Loving Mom One heart of gold stopped beating Hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. We watched you suffer silently And often heard you sigh Not understanding totally We watched you slowly die. When the time came we suffered too For you never deserved what you went through God took your hand and we had to part Erased your pain, but broke our hearts. Could you have spoken before you died These are the words you’d have replied, "This life for me has now passed I loved you all ‘till the very last Cry not for me, but courage take and love one another for my sake.” There will always be a heartache And often a silent tear But also precious memories Of days when you were here. We hold you close within our hearts And there you will remain To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.