Barbara Burns

Barbara Burns, age 71, passed away at home last week. She was born on February 12, 1954 to Edith Zengen and James Burns in the Bronx, NY.

Barbara grew up in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, a student of St. Helena Grammar School and Preston High School. After a number of years working in corporate and law offices, she decided to leave New York for sunnier weather and spent over 20 years living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. There she worked as a caregiver, finding immense joy in helping to raise and guide the children of the great families that benefited from her assistance. While Barbara never married or had children of her own, she viewed and treated the members of these families as if they were members of her own family.

She subsequently returned to New York to be closer to her family, much to their delight. She continued her work with families and their children, assisting at Asbury Nursery School where she continued to develop wonderful friendships. Barbara was known for being very easy going, kind and always ready to have fun. She enjoyed numerous special events and holidays with family and friends, especially over a good meal and an occasional well-made martini. She was an incredible listener, a person who was always up for an adventure, and someone who laughed and made others laugh every day, perpetually young at heart.

Barbara is survived by her brother Robert (Biserka), her nephew Kevin (Sandy) Rooney, her niece Kristine (Kevin) Rooney-Granger, and her great-nieces and nephews (John and Isabella Rooney, James, Elizabeth and Katherine Burns, and Emilia and Jack Granger) all of whom were extremely close to Barbara and viewed her as the fun aunt of the family. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and James, her brother James, and her dear sister, Jean. While Heaven welcomed her arrival last week, her family and many friends will miss her fiercely.

A funeral mass will be held at Annunciation Church, Crestwood on Thursday, October 30th at 11am. Donations in celebration of Barbara's life may be made to the American Cancer Society or The Westchester SPCA.

Memorial Mass: 11 am, Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Annunciation Church, Crestwood
To Live Stream the Mass: Please Click Here
In Lieu of Flowers: Donations in celebration of Barbara's life may be made to the American Cancer Society or The Westchester SPCA.