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September 11, 1964 - May 24, 2019 Beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, Alison died peacefully at her childhood home in California following a courageous seven month battle with a malignant brain tumor. Typical of her selflessness, Ali chose an experimental immunotherapy regimen, rather than traditional treatment, in the hope that a way could be found to successfully combat this dreaded disease and save others.Alison was born and raised in Pacific Palisades, attended Palisades Elementary School and graduated from Marlborough School (1982) and Wellesley College (1986) with a major in Political Science. During college years, she interned for Congressman Anthony Beilenson in Washington D.C. and for the law firm of O'Melveny and Myers. After Wellesley she worked in the education department of the Morgan Library in New York and found her calling. She then obtained a M.Ed. from Harvard University Graduate School of Education in 1990. There she met her future husband of 28 years, Chris Burner. They moved to Hudson, Ohio, where Chris accepted a position at Western Reserve Academy and Alison worked at educational non-profits, first at agencies that help underprivileged students attend college and then as a Program Officer at the Burton D. Morgan Foundation. They had planned a move this summer when Chris retired as Head of School at Western Reserve and accepted a new position as Head of Nichols School in Buffalo, New York.A devoted, thoughtful and caring mother, Alison raised two exceptional children. Matthew is completing a Master's Degree in Chinese History at Columbia University and will enter law school at the University of Pennsylvania in August. Abigail will start her sophomore year at Gettysburg College in the fall. Both children relied on their mother for advice, guidance and support, but she also had a wicked, irreverent sense of humor that brightened their lives.Besides her husband and children, Alison is survived by her parents, Judy and Steaven Jones of Pacific Palisades, her loving sister and best friend, Lawry Meister, also of Pacific Palisades, and a number of nieces and nephews. All are devastated by her loss.Memorial services for Alison will be held on Friday, June 14, 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church in Hudson, Ohio and on Saturday, June 22, 3:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Pacific Palisades. In recognition of Ali's love of Wellesley and commitment to students in need, gifts in her memory should be directed to the Alison Jones Burner '86 Scholarship Fund at Wellesley College, Development Office, 106 Central St., Wellesley MA 02481 or www.wellesley.edu/give
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She really was kind. I miss her greatly!
Yours, Min-Jung
WRA 02
June 21, 2019
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find love, peace and comfort in our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, who will never leave us or forsake us in our time of need.
Matthew 5:4 & 1 Co. 1:3-4
Pastor Dan & New Covenant Worship Center
Carson, CA
June 20, 2019
a loved one
June 18, 2019
She was a good sole with a big heart :(
Friend
June 14, 2019
May Almighty God and his son Jesus Christ bless and comfort your family in this time of sorrow. John 17:3
June 13, 2019
To the Family. Life is like a mist. Its here today and gone tomorrow. But memories are left behind to cherish. Continue to give comfort to one another, along with heartfelt prayers and loving support from friends to give your hearts enough room to cope with your loss. (Psalms 119:32)
A P
June 12, 2019
My deepest condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May your cherished memories created, brighten your days and help sustain you at this time. John 6:40 gives much comfort by looking forward to Jesus promise of seeing your love one again
Shelia
June 1, 2019
Ali Burner was a fierce light in this world as I am sure she is in heaven. She was one of a kind and we will miss her candor, steadfast loyalty, infectious smile and absolute honesty. We were so lucky to have had her in our lives and will be forever grateful for all she did for our family, including talking our daughter into attending Wellesley. We wish Chris, Matt, Abi and her family peace and happy memories of a wonderful woman.
Fran & Jim McHugh
May 31, 2019
May her children find the strength to continue her spirt and do what they want to do! She will forever live within you, and as you have children, she will live within them! Go make her proud,
May 30, 2019
I'm heartbroken to hear this news. Alison and I worked together when I was at Kenyon College and she was at Burton Morgan Foundation. You was an ally, a friend, a mentor, and one of the kindest people I've had the pleasure to work with. My deepest sympathy to Alison's family, who I know were her biggest champions and most beloved.
Meg Galipault
May 30, 2019
I got to know Alison in my work with the Burton D. Morgan Foundation. She was smart, thoughtful, kind, energetic. Her passing is such a loss. My thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues. Jeff Glebocki
May 30, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to Alison's family and colleagues at the Foundation. I knew Alison and interacted with her during the time we had a grant from the Foundation, and have warm memories of her. This is a very sad news!
Shila Garg
May 30, 2019
I had the sincere pleasure of assisting Alison with many events hosted at the home on the Western Reserve Campus during Mr. Burner's time as head master. Her warmth, grace and kindness is something I will never forget.
Paula Dyslin-O'Keefe
May 30, 2019
With so many, I am stunned and heartbroken. I knew Alison from Cleveland Scholarship Programs. She was a bright and joyous human being. Comfort to her family and dear friends.
Dorothy Valerian
May 29, 2019
Alison was a wonderful young woman. She worked with me at Cleveland Scholarship Programs and was a true professional who became a precious friend. I always reminded her of what a good job her parents did rearing her. She laughed. I will miss her dearly. My condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
Tina Milano
May 29, 2019
My deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of such a courageous, devoted and caring woman, Alison Jones Burner. May you have comfort and hope, 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 as you mourn the loss and cherish the wonderful and enduring memories of your dear loved one.
D Hamilton
May 29, 2019
I am sincerely sorry for your loss and my warmest condolences are extended to your family. May you be reassured that God keeps those who pass on in his memory because they are precious to him. (Psalms 116: 15)
T L
May 29, 2019
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