Patricia Jean Burns

Patricia Jean Burns was born on November 8, 1927 in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was the youngest of 7 children and was the first to be born in a hospital. Her parents, Elizabeth Robertson Burns and Robert Burns were hard working immigrants from Scotland and England.

Pat enjoyed being outdoors and playing games like stickball with her brothers. Her mother was a great cook, but Pat spent little time in the kitchen because her mother wanted her to get an education.

In the early 1950s, Pat joined the Navy Nurse Corp and served her country for 20 years. She served during two wars, Korea and Viet Nam and was stationed overseas in the Philippines, Japan and Morocco. In the USA, she served in Jacksonville in Florida; and Treasure Island, Camp Pendleton, San Diego and Mountain View in California.

Pat invited her mother, Elizabeth, to live with her. Her brother, Ed says she gave their mother a new life and purpose. She cooked and kept house for Pat, and became a friend and surrogate mother to the other nurses. She was invited to parties with the nurses and Elizabeth said she never really drank until “she joined the Navy with Pat."

Pat retired in 1974 in San Diego. She loved reading, getting together with other retired nurses and especially her furry companions-- two minature schnauzers, Brigadoon Dundee (Dooner) and Little Mac.

When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2010, she moved to Long Beach/Cerritos. After a stay with her niece, Annie Burns Pollinger, she moved into an assisted living. The Pollingers absorbed Pat into their family and its activities--including Pat in holiday gatherings, the kids sports activities, shopping excursions and meals. Pat enjoyed visiting with her older brother, Ed (Annie’s dad), and hearing stories of their childhood.

Pat died on August 23, 2016. She was pre-deceased by her father, Robert, her mother, Elizabeth, sisters, Anne, Roberta and Elizabeth, and brothers, John and Chuck. She is survived by her brother, Ed, and a number of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.