Obituary of Elizabeth Jordan Burns

Elizabeth "Betty" Burns, 86, of Bergenfield, died peacefully in her sleep at Emeritus in Atlanta, GA. on Monday, May 7, 2012, after years of suffering with Alzheimer's disease. The family invites all to the Funeral Mass that will be prayed at Betty's parish of over 60 years, Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 29 N. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ, on Saturday, May 12 at 10:00 am. A viewing will be held at church from 9:30 to 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Tenafly, NJ. Betty was born Elizabeth Jordan Ellis on January 14, 1926 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK. The fourth of five children she attended Saint John the Evangelist Catholic School in Glasgow, Scotland. Following graduation she worked as a dressmaker and tailor. During World War II, she met Robert Burns. They were married on February 27, 1945 and had six children: Bonnie, Robert, Roger, Scott and Joseph Burns and Kathleen Hoffman. Betty also leaves ten grandchildren, Daniel Rover, Rebecca Grandy, Keith Hoffman, Tyler, Dekota, Danielle and Karen, Robert, Christopher and Nancy Burns and five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth spent 60 years of her life at her favorite place �" home, at 107 New Jersey Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ. She worked as a devoted mother, wife, homemaker, friend. She was a longtime member and founder of the Oversea Wives Club. She was a St. Vincent de Paul volunteer, a member of the St. John's Lazarus team, the Scottish Dancers Club and was a caterer. Elizabeth was an excellent cook and loved to sing, dance and party. Her 'girlfriend' and neighborhood get togethers, teas and sing alongs are legendary. She enjoyed sewing and knitting and always had a special place in her heart for her homeland, Scotland. Elizabeth valued education and understood what a good catholic education could do for her children. She was many things to many different people. To her children she was a mother who gave unconditional love and encouraged their dreams. She respected the values of family and always spoke of a deep love for her dearest mother and loving father. Her friends will remember her as someone with whom they could share a joke, talk through problems and lend support in time of need, Her deepest love was for that of Our Blessed Mother and Jesus. She was a role model of faith and perseverance giving and upholding life in the love of Christ. For her entire life she was the branch of life giving love connected always to the Vine. Blessed and honored are we to have had her with us so long. May she remain in our hearts and prays forever. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions in memory of Betty be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.kedzfuneralhome.com