Stella Maris Burns

Having struggled in hospital for several days God reached down and said we have been waiting for you- it’s time. Joyfully she ran through the gates of Heaven in the arms of all those she had loved and lost.

A kind, funny, loving woman, Stella Burns passed away peacefully on Nov 21, 2024 at the CBRH Palliative Care Unit.

Although devastated, we, her family are forever grateful for the time we had. Stella has left a mark on all those who knew her. She was well known for many reasons. She was the only person we knew who could get in the bath tub at 7:50 and be in Bingo at 8:00.

She loved to bake and was famous for her shortbread cookies, her cherry pie and her homemade bread. She was obsessed with the way she folded clothes or cleaned her stove and fridge weekly. She loved walking and meeting people, as she walked, she greeted all dogs with a treat.

She loved dancing, especially to “In the Mood”. When Wally was tired, she danced with the girls all the while singing every word to every song. She loved her family and supported them always. She suffered many hard losses over her lifetime and her strength was tested over and over. During the last number of years dementia stole her mind and weakened her body but she was cared for lovingly by her soulmate Wally who as you can imagine is devastated. Although her agony is over, our hearts are broken.

Stella was born on Feb 15, 1942 to George T & Bertha (Hache) McNeil. She was raised and educated in New Victoria. Throughout the years she worked at the Quality Store, the Hospital, and the Manor where she made many lifelong friends.

She is survived by her loving daughter Valerie (Linda) and her grandson Jack Craig whom she idolized and her devoted partner Wally Servatiak who for 38 years loved her and cared for her with kindness, strength and devotion.

She would never have survived as long as she did without Wally. Also left to mourn is her daughter-in-law Michelle Wilton. She is also survived by her sisters Lorraine Gardiner, Betty Anne (Pat) MacMillan, brothers Mick (Heather) McNeil, Joe (Bernadette) McNeil and many nieces, nephews of the Burns and McNeil families.

She suffered many devastating losses. That of her husband Joe Burns in 1982, her middle son Francis in 1987 and her oldest son Raymond in 2023. She was able to get through these times with the love and support of many people.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Forest Haven Memorial Gardens and there will be a service at a later date. Although we are devastated, we would like to thank all those who provided such compassionate, loving care to our Stella. Doctors, nurses, neighbours and friends. We appreciated all that you did. We know that her mind is clear and her body is strong as she reunites with those she loved and missed so much. To share memories and condolences please visit www.foresthaven.ca.

Until we meet again- love ya’