Jeanne Burnison

Jeanne Ann Burnison, age 80, of Faribault, MN went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Milestone Senior Living in Faribault following a long journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday one hour prior to services at the church.

Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault.

Jeanne A. Burnison, the daughter of Lawrence and Evelyn (Giever) Merrill, was born in Faribault on June 1, 1939. She attended St. Lawrence Grade School, Bethlehem Academy High School, and Mankato State College, acquiring her teaching degree. She taught 4th and 5th grades at schools in Grand Meadow, MN, Waipahu, HI, and Douglas, AZ where she met her husband William Burnison. Her final move was to Tucson, AZ. Her last teaching job was in Sells, AZ, where she rode a bus an hour every morning and night to get to the school at the Indian Oases Elementary School. Jeanne then moved back to Faribault in 2012 following the death of her husband.

Jeanne was passionate about her faith, working as director of Religious Education at her church after retiring from teaching. She loved knitting and quilting afghans, which she donated to her church. Her life line while living with Alzheimer’s was her love of music of all kinds, and she was known to do a little Hula when the music “moved her.”

Jeanne is survived by her siblings, Richard (Kathy) Merrill of Raleigh North Carolina and Thomas (Danny) Merrill, Eileen (George) Voracek, and Karen (Kevin) Molloy all of Faribault; and many other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Burnison; and her parents, Lawrence and Evelyn (Giever) Merrill.

Special thank you to Milestone Senior Living and Brighton Hospice for giving Jeanne encouragement, comfort, music, and prayer on her long journey with Alzheimer’s.