Monday, January 11, 2016 4:44 pm
Becky Burns passed away at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, due to complications of Alzheimer’s. She was lovingly surrounded by her sister and best friend Jan Norman, and her chosen “family” members Gale Simpson and Michelle Lincicum. Memorial services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, with Pastor Rich Murray officiating. Private family inurnment is in Phelps Cemetery in Decorah in the spring.
Rebecca Kay Burns was born May 31, 1957, in Burlington, to Wayne Wilson Burns and Edna Frances (Fran) Taylor Burns. She spent her early years in Mediapolis, moving to Decorah in 1963. She attended Martin Luther Home and School in Beatrice, Neb., from 1966-1976. After graduation, Becky moved to Handicap Village, later Opportunity Village (The Village), in Clear Lake, where she resided until Feb. 2014. At that time, The Village closed as a residential site, and Becky moved to her new home in Garner, continuing to receive care from many of her staff members from The Village, most notably her beloved Gale and Michelle. At The Village, Becky was a member of the swim team, ribbon dancers and chorus, was employed in the workshop, and spent time in the art room. Becky’s vibrant, upbeat personality attracted many friends, and when her family took her shopping in Mason City, they’d always hear somebody call out, “Hi, Becky!” She often bounced into a room with a smile, saying, “Hi! It’s me! Becky Burns!” Her family and friends incorporated her “Becky-isms,” as they came to be known, into their daily vocabularies.
Becky is survived by her mother, Fran Burns, Decorah; brother, Jim (Kari) Burns, Decorah; Jan Norman, Altadena, Calif.; niece, Paige Norman (Kevin) Napier and great-niece, Grey Napier; niece Morgan Burns, Milwaukee, Wis., and nephew, Thomas “Tad” (Leslie Lofgren) Burns, Arlington, Va. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.
Becky’s family wishes to acknowledge Opportunity Village for the excellent care and concern they used for the nearly 40 years that Becky was part of their community and family. Their ability to foster her independence, encourage her spirit, and cherish her soul never went unnoticed or unappreciated by her family.
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