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Connie Burns Obituary
Cedar City - I went to the grocery store in Cedar City one day, circa 1960, and someone asked me if I worked there and I said "no, I'm just a housewife" - at the time I was 24 years old, with three boys at home (Jim, Joe and Scott) and pregnant with my fourth son Zachary. In hindsight, I often thought about what I had said (just a housewife) and came to believe that I was not "just a housewife" - I was a mother and it was hard work, stressful work, to raise my sons and I wish I could go back to that store and say "I am a mother, the most important job in the world, and I'm trying my best to raise sons that will be good and caring (always protect and defend those that need help, those that are hurting or scared that need someone to stand with them) … that was my primary goal and my mission in my life, and while not perfect, I think I did alright.
I died March 27th, 2020, a Friday, and I was ready to go. The truth is, because I am a mother, I died quite a bit when we lost Zachary to cancer when he was 29, and I died again when Jim left us at age 52 - leaving only the middle boys, Joe and Scott - the point being, I hope my passing is not mourned, no tears, because I so missed my Jim and my Zach and I am with them now.
I was married to J. Harlan Burns who more than did his part helping me raise these boys - there was boxing, horses, dogs, basketball, fist fights, trucks and jeeps, football, the Marysvale house, more fist fights and more horses - the mountain and the cabin, proms, graduations, marriages, divorces, political arguments at
Thanksgiving, baseball, a blue flocked tree every Christmas, and more - and we did it all in a little house that, today, is smaller than many folks' kitchen. It was fast and loud and chaotic and it was excellent.
I loved all things Leo Tolstoy, To Kill A Mockingbird and reading in general. I loved the years I worked in the Principal's Office while my boys were Cedar High Redmen. I hated watching my boys box, wasn't all that crazy about Irish Wolfhounds and I didn't like waiting up to see if one the boys made it off the mountain in a snowstorm. I was blessed with grandchildren (Jack, Jillian, Beth, Joey, Nick and Carly) and I love the memories I have with them - I tried my best and I hope you know I love you.
Don't look to me, but to my sons and grandchildren and great grandchildren and know that at the end my essential question was to the whereabouts and the wellness of my sons; my unmitigated joy, slapping my leg and laughing outright, was generated from grandchildren and great grandchildren. Therein lies my work and my immortality.
Connie's final arrangements are under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Connie Burns
Sponsored by Southern Utah Mortuary - Cedar City.
Rett Christensen
April 29, 2020
Joe and Scott...Sincerest condolences. Your Mom was a wonderful woman. God Bless you and your families.
April 11, 2020
Joe and Scott:
Warm memories flow as I think of your mom, and our years growing up in Cedar City. I loved the obituary. Thank you. I feel many of the same things I felt as Scott spoke at Zach's funeral. Higher Ground.
With love,
Dane Leavitt,
Johannesburg
Kurt & Danette Lambeth
April 7, 2020
Joe and Scott: You are both one of a kind with a one of a kind mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Love.
Donna Sullivan
April 6, 2020
So sorry for your loss , Joe and Scott. Your mom was always a class act.
JAINE ADAMS-CRANE
April 6, 2020
I loved living on the same street as the Burns family Our kids grew up together and Connie was one of my best friends. I spent many trips with her to horse alley to feed the horses. We shared many happy times and lived through devastating times such as the Cancer that took Zach and Boyd. Have always felt that we had close connection with all of the family and my girls feel the same. Love you, and hope to be able to give you hugs soon.
David Payne
April 5, 2020
So sorry for your loss. It is a tough time even when loved ones say they are ready to go.
Hope you find peace at this time.
Annette Morrill
April 4, 2020
Scott, I'm sorry for your loss! It is a hard day as well as days to come! Sending my thoughts and love
Mavourneen Lamb
April 1, 2020
How fortunate we were to be able to call Connie Burns our dear, dear friend for so many years. We loved her so much. How blessed is she who is now free from pain and worry. You are enjoying your reunion with loved ones who are welcoming you with arms wide open. Will always think of you with a smile...a very big smile. Love always.
Robert Shirts
March 31, 2020
Joe and Scott. I am sorry to hear about your mothers passing. I think all of us boys on 580 West spent time in everyone else's house during the summers. We played football and whiffle ball and did a little boxing. Your mother was always so kind to me. She seemed to always have a smile on her face when we were playing at your house. Those were great times.
May Hunter
March 31, 2020
I remember all the times we spent together, especially when Zach got sick and was in the hospital. I was working and Zach was one of my patients and a favorite. He loved me to read to him, even when my shift was over, I clocked out and went right back to Zachs room. I must have read Jonathan Livingston Seagull a dozen times, ( hed want me to start over, not where we left off). I stayed with him right up to his last breath, we all knew his time was up and he was called to Heaven, but it was so hard. I marveled at your strength, Connie, going through this with a loving spirit you had. You are a beautiful lady, and so proud of all your boys. I remember walking around the DI, laughing at all the treasures, then getting your coffee and my real Coke. You are at peace now, Ill always remember you, and I still read Jonathan Livingston Seagull when I need strength. Love you , Connie!
janette baldwin
March 31, 2020
i loved running into Connie at the DI she always had me cracking up.
Brad Brown
March 30, 2020
Connie was like a second mother to me growing up on a little street In Cedar City. I have many great memories of the Burns household and getting in trouble with Zach. I will always remember the great influence she has been in my life. My condolences to the family.
David Gardner
March 30, 2020
Truly an amazing woman -- who raised amazing boys -- who would become great men! Loved growing up on the same street with the Burns' boys -- and will never forget Connie's influence and her passion for life. I'm sure there has been a joyous reunion with her huband, Jim, and Zach! Sending prayers and condolences to Joe and Scott.
Gary DeLand
March 30, 2020
35 years ago, I had the opportunity to begin working with Scott. During that time I became acquainted with Judge Burns and all of the Burns' boys. I had the opportunity to meet Connie only a couple of times, but she her influence and role with her family was obviously a major reason why I became so fond of the Burns family and developed such a strong respect for them. Scott has become very much a brother over that time.
Aloha menemene,
Gary and Kathy DeLand
Quinten Salt
March 29, 2020
My mom and I will keep both of you in our prayers. We hope your minds and hearts will be filled with special, funny, happy memories. Mom has been reminiscing for days about the fun she had with your mom while growing up.
May your mom enjoy her reunion with her family on the other side.
Best wishes,
Aunt Liz Seat
and
Cindy Salt and family
Barbara Warner
March 29, 2020
Connie is truly BEAUTIFUL woman. She did love her boys and had such fun stories about all of you. She loved laughter and fun.I enjoyed her so much and have wonderful memories. I have to tell you how she was just a good friend to my family and I, for that I will always so thankful
Tyson Donaldson
March 29, 2020
Connie was always kind to me every time I saw her❤
She was a very good and fun grandma to my wife. She had a infectious smile Now she is with her Sons
Adele Park
March 29, 2020
Sending love and condolences to the Burns Family.
Pam Delaney
March 29, 2020
Her boys were her true happiness. Connie showed so much love for her boys. I know you will miss her deeply. In times of sorrow, remember the special memories.
Jodi Jensen
March 28, 2020
Beautiful Soul, and I'm so grateful for her love , especially her love for her grandchildren one of which was my Son Nick. Connie you gave us many memories to share for a lifetime. Those memories will fill the big void without you here.
My condolences to her family.
Debby Johnson
March 28, 2020
She was also a good and caring sister. I love you Connie.
Kim Nielson
March 28, 2020
Sweet Connie, you were one of the few bright lights in my high school years. You always greeted everyone with that beautiful smile of yours. You did a fantastic job raising a beautiful family. Scott n I were trying to get you together with my mom Audrey for lunch but time ran out. So now that youre an Angel in Heaven with my mother, you two can get together on your own. RIP sweet lady, ❤
Cloyd Orton
March 28, 2020
Wonderful Woman Zack's Mom, always a great memory
Mike and Mona
March 28, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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