Christine Burns, my sister.
Christine
M. Burns of Olympia passed away at St. Peter Hospital, July 20, 2008 after a
courageous battle with cancer.
She was the youngest of three children born to Henry and Carol Jarrell on
January 25, 1951 in Herlong, California. Christine spent most of her childhood
growing up in California where she graduated from high school in Red Bluff,
California. After graduating she moved to Chico, California where she began her
career in the medical field. She later moved to Sacramento, California where she
subsequently met and married her husband Ed Burns. After the birth of her only
child Justin, she moved with her family to Washington, where she made her home
for the last 30 years.
After Christine was diagnosed with cancer she retired from Group Health where
she was employed for many years. She often spoke of the friends she had made
there, missing them and the fun they had working together. Christine and
her husband Ed enjoyed Nascar and spending time at their condo in Mexico. For
many years Christine collected clothes, school supplies and other items that she
felt would be useful for the children in Mexico. She cared deeply because she
knew the poverty they lived in. She wanted to do something that would make a
difference in their lives. Each year she and her husband Ed would make the trip
to Mexico to deliver the much needed items to the children. There wasn't a child
she didn't care about.
For all those who knew her well, lets not forget the annual "Ladies Night Out"
party. Each year there was much anticipation to see what entertainment she had
planned for the girls. She had great fun in organizing this event for all her
lady friends. Christine was a loving wife and mother, she loved nothing
more then spending time with her two grandsons, and she was a good friend.
Christine was also a kind person with a giving heart. She sincerely cared about
the need of others. She was known to often take the time from her own life to
prepare food for a sick friend or neighbor. She would offer her home to a friend
who needed a place to stay, a few dollars if it helped or a kind word of
encouragement. Wherever there was a need she was always willing to do what she
could. Her helping hand will be remembered by many and greatly missed by all.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Ed; loving son, Justin; lovely
daughter-in-law, Amber; and precious grandsons, Benny and Charlie; sister, Donna
Billingsley; brother, Phil Bridgeford; and her niece and nephews. She is also
survived by her step-father, Bruce Bellus; step-brother, Tim Balch; and
step-sisters, Sherry Graham, Gwen Balch, Marian Balch, and Kathleen Reynolds,
all residing in California. She also leaves behind many friends who will miss
her laughter and unconditional friendship.
Christine asked that there be no services and requests that you make a donation
in her memory to a charity of your choice.
Please send donated photos via e-mail to: christineburns@pcbjr.com and I will post them here as soon as possible.
