Obituary of Elizabeth Burns

Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Burns, 75, of Salinas, passed away, surrounded by family and friends on Monday, November 7, 2011 after struggling the past year with failing health. Betty was born on November 10,1935 in Catskill, New York. She met her husband-to-be, Ed, while both were in high school and married soon after graduation. Together, Ed and Betty, always supporting each other, built a life for themselves and their children that was filled with love, joy and lots of laughter. Betty and Ed had their first son, Ed, Jr., while in New York. A job transfer brought the family to Chicago where their second son, Tony, was born. Betty and Ed moved to Salinas in 1963, where they had lived ever since. In 1965, their third son, Jim, was born. While raising three active young boys; Betty attended college and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1974 and then her Masters of Public Administration in 1977 from Golden Gate University. She then worked for two years as an instructor of Business Administration at Hartnell College. After this she later accepted a position at the City of Soledad as Community Services Officer, where she handled the city's finances. She stayed at this position for ten years, during which time she also served as Acting City Manager intermittently. She retired in 1993. Although accomplished in her professional life, Betty's priority was her family. She was a loving wife and mother and was always there with the right words to say when they were needed. When her five grandchildren came along, she showered them with love and attention and built a special rapport with each of them. If there was any possible way for her to be at an important milestone in her children's or grandchildren's lives, she was there. Whether in her work life or family life, Betty touched so many people over the years. She had a generous spirit that always put others before herself and made you feel special. She had many friends over the years who remarked that she was like a mother or sister to them. She will be missed by us all. The Family would like to "thank" the hospital staff at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital for their gentle care during Betty's last days. We would also like to express "special thanks" to Dr. Fisher and the staff at Stanford Medical Center for the care they gave Betty over the last several years of her life. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ed; her sons and daughters-in-law, Ed and Debbi, Tony and Kristi and Jim and Veronica; her sister, Jean Pollock of Catskill; her five grandchildren, Jesse, Rose, Marisa, Katie and Malcolm; many nieces and nephews, and her best friend, Irma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148, which held a special place in Betty's heart. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, November 25, 2011 11am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Spreckels Blvd. and Railroad Ave., Spreckels. A reception will follow in the church hall.