Patricia "Pat" Burns

Patricia Eileen Burns (Pat), age 85, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Pat was born on April 6, 1940, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the eldest child of Edward and Eileen (Morrissey) Ryan. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Pat went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at All Souls Hospital School of Nursing in Morristown, New Jersey. Her career as a nurse was more than just a profession-it was a true calling, and a lifetime of caregiving became her legacy. Pat's devotion to caring for others defined her life, both in her work and in her personal relationships.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald (Jerry) Burns, with whom she shared over sixty years of love and partnership. She was also preceded in death by her precious son Matthew (Matt) Burns, her parents Edward and Eileen Ryan, and her dear siblings, James Ryan, Cathy Ryan (sister-in-law), and Edward (Ned) Ryan and JoAnn Ryan (brother- and sister-in-law).

Pat is survived by her loving children, Kathleen Burns, Maureen (Rob) Kowalski, and Timothy Burns, as well as her cherished grandchildren: Grace Kowalski, Emmett Kowalski, Aidan Kowalski, Samantha Glazer, Sydney Glazer, and Lola Burns. Her extended family includes her siblings William (Dr. Phyllis Clark) Ryan, Louisa Ryan, and Denise Lenihan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom Pat treasured deeply.

A woman of profound strength, Pat was deeply rooted in her faith, guided by integrity, and unwavering in her devotion to family.

She gave selflessly and abundantly to those she loved, always placing the needs of her family and friends above her own. Family was her greatest priority- a value she not only lived by but also instilled in everyone around her.

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Pat was fiercely loyal and endlessly loving. Her care knew no bounds, and her love was truly unconditional.

Pat's generous spirit was boundless. She was known for remembering and celebrating every birthday, anniversary, and achievement, and for offering steadfast support through life's more challenging times. She kept a daily prayer list, often including countless names of loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. Pat's prayers reflected her deep care and concern for others.

Pat's devotion was especially evident in her care for her son, Matt, throughout his decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis, as well as her steadfast support for Jerry during his fight against cancer. In both challenging journeys, Pat's love, strength, and resilience were unwavering.

Even in her later years, Pat remained actively involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Whether babysitting, attending school events, performances, or sports activities, she made it a point to be there for each milestone. She took a genuine interest in the lives of her family's friends, staying connected with many of them for decades, showing interest and care that lasted a lifetime.

Pat deeply cherished her friendships, forming meaningful bonds at every stage of her life - many of which endured for decades.

Her friendships spanned every chapter, each one holding a special place in her heart. Remarkably, at the time of her passing, she still maintained close ties with friends she had made as a young girl in New Jersey. Whether through phone calls, visits, or offering support during difficult times, Pat was always there. She was known not only for treasuring her friends but also for being a truly loyal, compassionate, and steadfast friend in return.

Once you were in Pat's circle, you were family. Her legacy of giving, warmth, and devotion will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Pat will forever be remembered as a loving and generous soul, and her spirit will remain with us all. We take great comfort in knowing that how she lived her life has earned Pat a place beside our Lord for eternity and that she is reunited with her loved ones, especially Jerry and Matt.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29, 10:00 am ET (in state 9:30 am ET) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Road, Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Association in memory of Matthew Ryan Burns.

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