Elaine Carol Burnell
July 30, 1944 - October 12, 2011
Obituary
Elaine Carol Burnell, age 67 died peacefully on Wednesday, 10/12/11 in Des Moines. Elaine is survived by her partner of 23 year, Sherry Richmire; brothers, Donald (Diane) Burnell, Dennis and Christopher Miller and Kenneth (Joanne) Follett; sisters, Marcell Hodges and Dernice Grey; her mom, Darline Wallace; several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 12:30 pm at at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA (206) 242-1787. King County 911 or Special Olympics.
Sherry,
We were both speechless when informed of Elaine’s passing. We know that the last several years have been hard for her as well as for you. Please remember that Elaine will always be with those that loved her and held her in a special place in their hearts. Only the material body and suffering are gone. The love she shared with everyone and the good things she did will remain for eternity. Please let us know if we can help in anyway. With the love of Friendship, Lois
Elaine, my great aunt. Even though you lived so far away, it was always a pleasure for you to be with us here. You will forever be with us in our hearts. I wish i would have been able to attend your funeral. Ill miss you forever, and i’ll love you for always.
I feel blessed to have known my Aunt Elaine….although we didnt meet until i was older, she always made me feel like she knew my family and I forever. In my eyes she will always remain a very generous, loving, down to earth, amazing soul…although she was sick, she managed to come thousands of miles just to attend my wedding last year! I wouldnt even let them start the ceremony until she was there, lol….Rest in peace Aunt Elaine….you will be missed, until we meet again, i love you..Sherry
Aunt Elaine was a sweet, kind hearted person. Although i did not know her all that well, she would always send birthday cards, christmas gifts and more. What i did know of her was she was a really good person who put her own feelings aside for other people to be happy. You will be missed and forever in our hearts. Love you always
Sherry –
We have always felt blessed that Elaine was able to take care of our brother, Matt. She really cared for him as a person, and not just as another client. She took the time to learn his cues, taking notice of the little things that a mother does, to make his life better. She kept him involved in all kinds of activities, such as Church, Camping, the Sunshine Club, Bowling, and Special Olympics. We, as all who knew her, will miss her greatly. She has a special place in our hearts.
Dearest Sister/Aunt,
You were simply one of the most amazing people we have ever known in our lives. Your caring and generosity were beyond compare as was your devotion to your family, friends and special needs residents over the years. You will always have a special place in our hearts. You are at peace now and no longer have to endure the great suffering of these past several years.
Love,
Brother Donald, Sister-in-Law Diane, and Nephew Garrett Joseph
A great life which will continue in our hearts
My sister Elaine is one of my heroes. From a humble start in life, to a life spent with passion for the people whom she loved and cared for, Elaine truly made a difference to many people in this World. She will surely be missed by everyone who knew her.
Elaine Carol “Skeeter” Burnell Tribute
October 18, 2011
“The long and winding road . . .”
Lennon/McCartney
By
Oldest Brother, Donald Baird Lee Burnell, Ph.D.
(First acknowledge Sherry and her contributions to EVERYTHING)
(And the beautiful picture board collage put together by sisters Dernice and Marcy)
This story is about a young lady who was once brokenhearted over the loss of her
Biological family. However, she had a vision, a dream. And, as such, she found new life
and the courage she never thought she had, which propelled her to break through the
prison bars of grief and diversity to discover this new life . . . one she excelled at for years!
While we all have been moved to tears upon learning from Sherry of Elaine’s
passing, it was also comforting to know that Elaine (AKA Lainee) no longer has to deal
with the tortuous pain and suffering she has had to endure these past several years. She is
now at peace and in the hands of God our Creator, and his son, Jesus, her Lord and Savior.
Elaine was born in Detroit, Michigan on 7/30/1944. This was during the height
of WW-II. Her mother was Sadie McCann Lee Burnell Follette. Her father was an army
Sergeant, James Melvin Burnell. He adopted me before Elaine was born. James
To My dear big sister Elaine:
I absolutely loved having you for a Big sister. You and I shared the same passion for baking and you know how much I always loved receiving the Taste of Home magazine you subscribed for me. We often would speak about the contents and tried so many of the recipes. During my last visit, I mentioned that I would love to have a raspberry pie and that evening our dessert was raspberry pie. Your genuine concern and caring for everyone just radiated. Love always-Marcy
I am a dear friend to Ms Elaine”s sister Marcelle Hodges .As we work together daily I get to hear things about the family! I wish I could have gotten the opportunity to meet her some day I will. rest in peace Jannetta