Vervaleen Jean Burns

Devoted and Loving Mother and Wife

Vervaleen Jean Burns, Age 95. Born September 11, 1925 in San Jose, California and entered God’s Glory November 01, 2020 in Chico, California.

Mrs. Burns, a long-time resident of Napa, travelled the world with her husband, U. S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer James D. Burns, who predeceased her on January 30, 1978.

Mr. and Mrs. Burns were members of Napa First Christian Church and sang in the church choir; Mrs. Burns was also a member of Yountville Community Church.

Vervaleen was an amateur naturalist, and as a child, instead of playing with dolls, could be found with her net chasing butterflies and moths in the orchards near her childhood home in Los Gasto, California, to add to the collection she and her father gathered, preserved and mounted for display. She grew up in a family of professional musicians and as an adult had a great love for the arts, theatre, dance and classical music and opera. An avid gardener, Vervaleen always grew a rose garden wherever in the world she and her family lived.

A teacher by profession, Mrs. Burns had an eager, inquisitive nature and loved to learn new ideas and skills. While living in Japan, she studied various traditional forms of Japanese sculpture and flower arranging.

Vervaleen was known by her family and friends as a gracious, kind woman with a tender heart for children and animals. She was also a tower of resolute strength. After the sudden death of her husband 43 years ago, she was the glue which quietly held the Family together, without us even knowing it.

She is survived by a daughter, Heidi Cooper-Sereni and her husband Gene; a son, Patrick Burns and his wife Chaunte’; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A Beloved elder son, Robert M. Burns, predeceased Mrs. Burns on February 01, 2013.

We will miss you, Mom!

Your Loving Family

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