Obituary of Susan Burns

Susan Burns 59, of Washington NJ died in her home on Thursday February 9, 2017. Sue was born in Phillipsburg NJ, February 22, 1957 and was the daughter of the late Donald and Anna Vasko Burns. She was a 1975 graduate of Warren Hills Regional High School was employed as an Assistant Supervisor for Abilities of NW Jersey at the Pathway location in Washington NJ. Surviving are brothers James Burns (Sharon) of NC., John of Tx., Gary (Barbara) of NJ., Michael (Teri) of Az., Robert (Russell) of PA., Joe of NJ and Andy (Nancy) of NJ,; sisters; Donna Burns and Tara Burns (Todd) both of Washington NJ; Fourteen nieces and nephews including Laura Burns whom she raised as a daughter since she was nine years old. Sue was an extraordinary woman.  She possessed the gift of saying the right thing at the right time; whether it was to comfort in times of pain, being the voice of reason when life seemed to be spinning out of control, or providing a well placed quip to lighten the mood. She was a nature lover who was always on the lookout for rainbows after a storm or a four leaf clover in a patch of green. Sporadic trips to the shore with anyone of us that were willing to go gave Sue joy.  She loved meaningful quotes and reading as well as waterfalls and beaches.   Sue very much enjoyed spending time with her family. She fondly recalled her early adventures with Donna, Rob, Joe and Andy.  There were many stories of antics from childhood to the present that usually included Jim, John, Gary, and Mike which famously ended in smiles and laughs.  Youngest sister Tara lovingly remembers Sue as both a mother figure and a very close friend which cemented her status as the family matriarch.  She loved including the nephews and nieces in her adventures to local parks or in search of waterfalls. She doted on her Nicky Doll, Matty and little Buddha. Sue enjoyed her talks with Russ, whom she considered both a brother and a friend and became a big sister figure to Todd and gave him support unconditionally.  She was great friends with Peggy Miller and when paired together they became Peggy-Sue. They were a great source of comfort for each other.    Very importantly, Sue dedicated the last 28 years of her life to giving her niece Laura, who is special needs, the best life she possibly could and in doing so Laura became Sue's everything!   Sue would always put others before herself thus giving of herself to help in anyway she could.  She was able to see where she was needed and would step in to do the best that she could and when Sue may have needed help herself she never asked for anything in return. Sue will be remembered as a highly respected, kind, giving and truly inspirational person and will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.  “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. -From an Irish headstone” Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family. The DeVoe Funeral Service on Washington NJ has been entrusted with her arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent to the funeral home .