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Phyllis Gwen Burns

1923 - 2015

Phyllis Gwen Burns

1923 - 2015

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1923

DIED

2015

About

Portland State University University of Wisconsin

Phyllis Burns Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 2, 2016.

Arrangements under the direction of Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, PORTLAND, OR.

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Recent Activity

January 19, 2022

Dave Cobb posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2016

Thomas Greer posted to the memorial.

January 25, 2016

Denice Lucas posted to the memorial.

33 Entries

Dave Cobb

January 19, 2022

Gwen was a rare lady.
She always exhibited such Grace humour, and care for those around her. I was fortunate to work at her home on several occasions.
I always looked forward to talking family with her. She was proud and ecstatic over all her family.
Her warmth, style, and graciousness will not be forgotten. I will miss our talks. I look forward to seeing you in Heaven. Thank you Jesus for putting her in my life.

Thomas Greer

February 19, 2016

Gwen was ever the friendly voice, the smiling face, the thoughtful question, and the adventurous spirit that greeted everyone who walked into Valley Community Church. She didn't forget you, no matter how many years had passed. She was, and remains, the angel who meets you in the Narthex. I hope to receive that greeting again some day.

Denice Lucas

January 25, 2016

Faith, love, purity, justice and truth were Gwen's abiding principles. She was generous with them always -- with a stranger, with a friend and with her family. Everyone felt special in her presence. She was truly a star wherever she served. Thank you Gwen, for being my friend and my "sister". Lovingly, Denice Lucas

Aase Beaulieu

January 23, 2016

Meeting Gwen Burns while I was development director at the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation stands out as a highlight. Her gracious and warm personality made the several afternoons we spent together more memorable than most. I send sincere condolences for her loss to her children and grandchildren, about all of whom she spoke so lovingly! With love, Aase Beaulieu, Lake Oswego, OR.

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Liz

January 23, 2016

While I will miss Gwen Burns, I will smile at the memories and thankful that I knew her.

Ann Zelenka

January 22, 2016

I was the lucky one when I became involved in the Portland PEO Reciprocity years back and Gwen was the woman who called me about the meetings. We hit it off at the very beginning because I was just about ready to go to China for the first time and Gwen had so much to share with me. Through the years she encouraged me, challenged me to travel even when I wondered how I could do that and was always positive. She loved sharing about her family and I loved the stories of her sharing her recipes with the girls in the family. I envy those who had Gwen in their life for many years, but better late than never. She was an amazing woman with a strong faith and love for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.

Marilyn Clint

January 19, 2016

Gwen was probably the first 'Great Lady' I ever knew. The gracious way she treated everyone was both inspirational and aspirational. She knew how to make you feel like you were special. Gwen was the first female director on the Portland Rose Festival Board of Directors, and she remained an honorary director until her passing. She is woman worth celebrating. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to know her.

Gary Stemmler

January 17, 2016

Wow! What an amazing woman. Gwen lived life to the fullest. She was always welcoming, generous, and kind to my family. Gwen's mint brownies sustained me on many a returned trip back to Canada, although I don't think none of these heavenly pleasures ever made it across the border. Gwen's light is shining brighter than ever now with Jack. I am sure they are both smiling with joy and pride towards their daughter and two sons and many grandchildren. Keeping the Burns Family in our thoughts and prayers.

The Stemmlers from Barrie

Barbara Crouch

January 16, 2016

Gwen & Jack were friends of ours in both the Holiday Club & The Rose Festival Assn. Great people having good times together. My condolences to the family and other friends who will miss her.

Bonnie and Charlie Combs

January 16, 2016

Such a beautiful tribute and sweet life! So glad we knew her! Love to all the family. So sad we can't be there for her memorial.

January 14, 2016

To the Burns family: I remember Jack and Gwen Burns very well from my high school days at Valley Community Church. Gwen was such an inspiration. She took an interest in me and always offered encouragement. She and Jack were leaders in Valley Community Church's youth program. She provided support and guidance for my family at the time of my father's passing. She made me feel that I was a part of her family. Such a great friend.
Don Price

January 11, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maydoris Ritchey

January 11, 2016

The Burns family,
May the memories of your mother uplift you with consolation and joy. She is one of the last of a truly great generation. Our loving thoughts embrace you all. She will live on in our hearts forever.
Barbara and Roger Stalick

January 11, 2016

Heather & Ken;
our condolences and sympathy. Gwen
was a special friend and one of those
people we will never forget.

Dean & Donna Seal

Karen Tate

January 11, 2016

What a wonderful loving, caring Lady. My parents had the privilege of knowing She and Jack in the early years. I have had the fortune to know Heather and Ken and their family for many wonderful years. Gwen was a very caring person and wanted to know all about each person she met. She will truly be missed.

January 10, 2016

Gwen was a warm and wonderful, caring lady who always made you feel special every time you saw her. We feel so lucky to have known her. The Reiten family

Willo Oswald

January 10, 2016

After reading the account of a remarkable life, I wish I had known this charming "cookie lady." Scott, you and of your family were lucky to have this charming dynamo with you for so many years, and unlucky to lose her now. My deepest sympathy to you all.
- Willo

Lee Doss

January 10, 2016

Dear Burns Family ~
Our heartfelt condolences and deepest empathy are with you as you and all your loved ones grieve the passing of your extraordinary, inspiring, devoted mother. I imagine her joy and peace in knowing her wonderful family & friends are all there for each other.
Our caring thoughts & best wishes are with you all always.
Lee & Family

Norm and Polly Dye

January 10, 2016

Gwen will always hold a cherished place in our hearts. We are so blessed to have been loved by her. We can see her smile while telling us to remember the fun times and carry on. Sending our love and aloha to her family. You are in our prayers.

January 10, 2016

What a lady, what a life and legacy! Steve and Molly Walsh

January 10, 2016

What a lady, what a life and legacy!!!! Molly & Steve Walsh

Cathy Berger

January 9, 2016

One of many "moms" to all of us growing up. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.

January 8, 2016

From Thousand miles away--I fell into the hands of this great family of Burns. Providentially, we began to love each other. This great family join hands with me to support and encourage needy youth in the community. She championed the cause after Jack--the father of the family passed. She encouraged me and supported and pray for me. May the soul of my dear sister, dear friend rest in perfect peace. Psalm 23.

James R. Price

January 8, 2016

"May God Bless" Mrs. Burns and the Burns Family. Mrs. Burns' constant faith and her presence at Valley church have been a blessing! Both Mr. and Mrs. Burns gave our family such wonderful support during difficult times. She will be truly missed!

Sincerely, James Price

Craig Gavin

January 8, 2016

Prayers to the entire Burns family!

Brend Fields

January 6, 2016

Thinking of the Burns family. Gwen was a special lady and I enjoyed getting to know her over the many years I worked at Langdown.
I have many fond memories of her.

Pat Haslett

January 6, 2016

I have such fond memories of Gwen, "Mrs Burns", as we referred to her in our business. She was a faithful customer, but she was also a dear family friend and supported our family on special occasions. She was beautiful and caring in all phases of her life. My thoughts are with the Burns family.

Becky Ertler

January 6, 2016

Mrs Burns I will always think of you with love. Your beauty inside and out shone brightly. Thank you for your kindness. I'm sure your reunion with Jack is a blessing. God's blessings to your family.

Barbara Symons

January 5, 2016

Thinking of Gwen today and one word comes to my mind, perfection. She was not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. I feel blessed to have known her and call her my special friend.

Richard Beil

January 4, 2016

"My condolences and sympathies to the family of Gwen. Gwen was my babysitter back in Clinton, Iowa. Her parents and siblings lived across the street from us. Occasionally she would babysit for my sister and I. I also had the pleasure of attending her wedding to Jack. My last visit with her and Bud 2 years ago will remain a fond memory. Having been able to keep in touch and remain a friend of hers for all these many years has been a pleasure. Rest is peace my dear friend in the arms and hands of your Savior.
Dick and Marge Beil (Port Ludlow, WA)

Catherine Atiyeh-Mitchell

January 4, 2016

Thinking of the Burns family with love to you all
I will always hold Gwens smile and kindness with me forever
She was truly a special and wonderful person who will be greatly missed by many.
She was a dear friend to the whole Atiyeh family!

Julie Howe

January 3, 2016

I met Gwen at Good Sam and I will always remember her! She had such character! We loved her! Sorry for your great loss!

Cathy Bernhard

January 3, 2016

Gwen's loss is immeasurable. She was a PEO sister, a friend,a mentor and an outstanding role model for those of us in my generation. Her generosity, kindness and warmth will never be forgotten. I will miss seeing her in that front pew at Valley every Sunday. She was a very special lady! My prayers are with your entire family.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary & Sunset Hills Memorial Park - Portland

6801 SW SUNSET HWY, Portland, OR 97225