Sister Jeanne Burns, OP died on December 8, 2020 in Montefiore Nyack Hospital. She was 93 years old.
Born in the Bronx, NY on October 31, 1927, Jeanne was the daughter of James and Catherine Harvey Burns. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on February 2, 1947 and received the name Sister Jeanne Catherine. She professed her first vows in 1948 and final vows in 1953.
Sister Jeanne earned her BS in Early Childhood Education from Fordham University, NY, 1959.
Sister Jeanne ministered in the following schools: Cardinal McCloskey Home & School, White Plains, NY (1948-1951); St. Mary School, Fulton, NY (1951-1953); St. Paul School, Norwich, NY (1953-1956); St. Theresa School, Bronx, NY (1956-1965); Mary Queen of Heaven School, Brooklyn, NY (1965-1969); and St. Joseph, Bronx, NY (1969-1972). From 1972 until 2013, Sister Jeanne was Coordinator of the 33 Club for Senior Citizens, enhancing the quality of life for older adults in the Kips Bay/Murray Hill community. In 1988 Sister Jeanne received the Pippin Award in recognition of her outreach at the 33 Club, and in 2008 the SOAR (Saving Our Aging Religious) Father Victor Yanitelli award for her service to the elderly.
Sister Jeanne is predeceased by her parents James and Catherine Harvey Burns and siblings Rose Park, Helen Mullane, Miriam Kelsch, Edward, John and James. She is survived by beloved nieces, nephews, and her Dominican family.
Sister Jeanne’s joy-filled spirit touched the lives of countless children in her ministry of education as well as the lives of senior citizens in the heart of NYC. She lived the mission and charism of the Dominican Sisters as she proclaimed the Reign of God through ministry for justice and reverence for all creation. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sister Jeanne Burns. May you rest in the compassionate embrace of our loving God!