"Leonard L. Schreiber and I, Don Doerr Sr., first met Janet in Lewiston in the 1960's. She was then the girlfriend and treasure of Mr. Burns, her fellow student at Lewiston High School. While we only met her briefly, she was a true treasure and the member of the good Lewis family. We never forgot her because of her kindness, gentleness, and loyalty to her future husband with whom they raised their family. We are happy and proud to have known her as some of her many friends. Janet was our friend and her family's treasure. Pray for us Dear Janet, and thank you for accepting us as your friends. Those of us who knew you, will forever treasure and love you. "
In loving memory of
Janet Marie Burns
January 28, 1945 - December 17, 2020
Janet Marie (Lewis) Burns, 75, formerly of Lewiston died Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Mary's Campus Rochester. Janet was born January 28, 1945 in Winona to Lawrence and Meta (Wollin) Lewis. Janet graduated from Lewiston High School where she met the love of her life, Pat Burns. Janet and Pat were married June 5, 1965 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Winona. They made their home in Lewiston where they raised their three children. Janet had a passion for writing, with several published poems and short stories. For many years she wrote her column, 'From the Heart of Winona County', published in local newspapers. She was an involved member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and several community activities. She was a bookkeeper for Burns Builders for many years and then later for M&M Lawn and Leisure. Janet loved the outdoors and spent time bird watching, picking wild flowers, hunting for treasures, and taking photographs. Janet and Pat enjoyed camping and traveling with family and friends. They spent many weekends at Money Creek camping with friends and their children. In later years, they spent weekends at their camping get away in Chetek, WI, where they made many new friends and memories. They also enjoyed casino trips with Janet's sister Mary and her husband Mose. Her home was often the gathering place for family and friends. She loved being with family and especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered by her family for her goofy, fun loving sense of humor. Survivors include her children, Kelly (Michael) Burt of Rochester, Michael (Christie) Burns of Lewiston and Joel Burns of San Diego, CA, three grandchildren, Alyssa Rossin, Samuel Burns, and Alexandra Rossin, a step grandson, Jack Burt, two sisters, Mary Schumann of Rochester and Jean Connaughty of Eugene, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband Pat in 2014, a brother Ronnie Lewis and her parents. A Funeral Mass for Janet will be Tuesday, January 5, 2020 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston with the Reverend Will Thompson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Please share a memory of Janet at her online guestbook and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of Lewiston is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial donations will be directed to Parkinsons research.
Tributes
"Don Doerr Sr."
"I was sorry to hear that Janet has passed away. I didn't know her, but I grew up in the Lewiston area and I enjoyed her articles, especially the ones about people I knew or events I had experienced. She will be sadly missed. "
"Kathy Erickson"
"I remember Janet as an unbelievably strong woman with a quick wit, a kind heart, and an unmovable devotion to family! She was always willing to share her wisdom, her home and table, and welcome you into the beautiful family that she and Pat built! Her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren. Sending prayer for healing and strength for her family. "
"I remember Janet well. Her little sister Jeanie was my little sister's best friend. When visiting the Lewis home, Janet was always so warm and kind. She'd poke her head into the playroom to see if we needed anything. She had a gentle spirit and a kind-hearted demeanor that made quite an impression on me as a younger kid. I wish you all comfort and peace."
"Janet was the most caring and living Aunt she was like a second mom I always had a great time when I would stay with Janet and Pat and the kids when I was younger when my parents would go on vacation. I remember both their houses the on across from the Rec Bar and Cafe and the their new one. I will miss you Aunt Janet tell everyone hi and keep them stories going in heaven."
"Pat and Janet were our partners in crime camping at Oak Grove in Chetek, Wisconsin. They were great people and we had way too much fun with them. Love them both and miss them. Mike and Kathy Hutter."
"Your Mom was a very special dear friend. Janet & Pat were our go to Neighbors and we had so much fun with them and all of you. we shared all the good and challenging times. We have missed them so much. Many Blessings Kent & Dawn"
"Mike, Joel and Kelly, Our thought and prayers are with at this time. David & LuAnne Donahue"
"Mike, Kelly and Joel, I will always remember your mom. Her happiness, cute laugh and beautiful smile will always stand out to me. Sending love and prayers. Sharon Waterman "
"Sympathy and prayers for Janet?s family. Thinking of you all. Love Tim and Nell and families."
"I send condolences to Janet's family. Although I had not visited with Janet in many years my memory of our childhood friendship is special. I lived near the Lewis' and when walking to my Grandparents Benike's and Fischer's a detour at her home was certain. Fond memories are special. With Sincere Sympathy, Mary Fischer LIndell "
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Janet. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. How can anyone ever forget her wonderful sense of humor. What a great way to remember her. Keep all your great memories of her tucked deep within your heart and she will always be with you !!!!!"
"Oh how I loved your Mother! The time I spent with her was truly a healing balm. I have always thought of her fondly. She touched my life in her special way. I am sure I was just one of of many she."
"I have fond memories of camping at Money Creek with the Burns & Duffy families! My sympathy to Janet?s family. "
"So sorry for your loss. Your mom as one of the sweetest people I have met! What a positive person she was. May God be with all of you. She will be smiling down on you all from Gods heaven. She loved you. Love Leon & Mary Bronk"
"Your mom was the first to believe that I could teach religion classes at the age of 18. She had a lot of faith in me. Blessed be her memory Laurie Clobes"
"My deepest sympathy to your family. I was a classmate of Janet's at LHS, class of "63". Janet was one of my best friends--we would talk and talk--laugh--and after we graduated--wrote letters and talked some more. We also lived near each other. thank you my dear friend, rest in peace...Ruth (Siebenaler) Reese"
"To Janet?s dear family: We are so sorry at her passing. We loved her so much and Janet and Pat were such wonderful people. We have so many memories that we treasure of our friendship with them and you their three children that we treasure. We were neighbors and had so much fun together. Now that they are together may God keep them in his special care! We love you all. Phyllis & Charlie Schultz "