Dorothy Jean Burns (84) passed away on December 30, 2015, in Kirkland on what would have been her 65th wedding anniversary. Preferring to be called ‘Dottie’, she was born to Helen and Walter Read of East Alton, Illinois, on September 11, 1931. She married the love of her life, James F. Burns, followed him to California, and then on to Washington, where they raised a large family before he passed in 2005.
She is survived by her sister, LaVonne ‘Bonnie’ Armstrong; her children: Stephanie, Mary ‘Lisa’ (Susan), James Jr. (Joleen), Michael (Jackie), Thomas (Tabitha), and Jane (Stormy); her grandchildren: Christopher, Andrew, Angela, Kaitlyn, Matthew, Mia, Lucas, Zoe, Sadie, and Alice; great-grandchildren include: Ethan, Grady, Lucas, Jackson, James, Ruby, Claire and Hugo. She adored her family; each and every one was her “favorite”.
Dottie was also proud of her career with the Lake Washington Education Association for over 20 years, where she worked with many presidents over many contract negotiations and strikes. It was important to her that she show her family a well-rounded person. She also loved to quilt, was active in her quilt guild, and created many heirlooms that she lovingly gifted to family and friends.
Nobody was a stranger with Dottie—she believed everyone needed a friend, confidant, a champion, and stepped in to fill that need. In that spirit, we know Dottie would appreciate a donation to St. Jude’s Children Hospitals; she donated regularly believing in their philosophy of finding cures and saving children.
Memorial Services will be held at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Kirkland on February 18, 2016 at 11am with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.