I can't believe  it's been 4 years. Really missing a good friend and awesome spirit.  Love you Nancy ...

I can't believe it's been 3 years since my mentor and friend passed away. It's amazing how time literally waits for no one. Miss her soo much, but I know she is resting in peace....

Missing my former manager and friend.  Nancy is always in my thoughts. Wishing her physical presence right now. Great and fond memories of my dear friend live on.

My memory was actually a year ago on a Sunday morning- Actually the morning Nancy passed away- we had a visitor, a lost cat came to our doorstep meowing away looking for something to eat- my husband said to me if u feed it it will keep coming by. I didn’t think nothing by it and continued with my morning. I called Nancy that morning to check on her like I did from time to time - her sister in law answered the phone and told me Nancy had just passed away earlier that morning. I tell this story because if anybody knew Nancy, she was a true 🐈‍⬛ cat lover and cats are rare to see in my neighborhood. Later  on that day with all the boohooing I was doing I chuckled about the cat that payed a visit that morning - had not seen it since. Miss u soo much my friend but your always in my heart. From time to time I read our email and text exchanges.

I am so sorry to hear about Nancy.   She and I knew each other from being librarians within the Advance newspapers system - I was at The Plain Dealer(Cleveland,OH).   Nancy was a very smart and  such a giving person - so delightful to be with.      I will miss her.

My sister was an inspiration to me. Nancy was strong, and independent, and focused. But she was also patient, understanding and kind. I will miss her forever.

Gordon Forbes.  

I have been told on many occasions that I resemble my incredible “Auntie Nancy”  both in looks and in mannerisms. Every time I was told (even marginally) that I compared to this incredibly inspiring woman has always made me feel so very proud given all she was. It has also led to introspection, as she would never have let how amazing she was ever go to her head. Nancy was so incredibly humble, never boastful, and quietly shared her gifts with so many.  I aspire to be all that she was…...a lover and rescuer of humans and animals, as well as a confidante.  Nancy was someone who was patient, wise, and so incredibly kind.  Love you, and miss you lots Auntie.   


The relationship between sisters is a very special one...a bond that lasts a lifetime.  Nancy was thoughtful and wise...always putting the needs of others before her own.  She was a good listener if you needed to talk, and she always had some wise advice if you were troubled.  She will be sadly missed by her family who loved her very much.  

"Love you to the moon and back"  Nancy.  I miss you! 

The relationship between sisters is a very special one....a bond that lasts a lifetime.   Nancy was thoughtful and wise...always putting the needs of others before her own.  She was a good listener if you needed to talk, and always had some wise advice if you were troubled.   She will be sadly missed by her family who loved her very much.  

"Love you to the moon and back",  Nancy.  I miss you!

In Memory of Nancy Isabel Burris:
    Nancy was my friend, my guide, my instructor, she a beacon of light,  to do what I needed to do as a librarian. She was my mentor and consultant for all things in the library and throughout the Newsroom.  My deepest condolences to her family and many friends.  Should I speak for all, she will always be loved and admired by all. We miss you Nancy!  Smile                         Leroy

What a treasure Nancy was.  Quietly competent, she orchestrated the transition of the library from a clipping file to the digital age.  One of the great pleasures of my tenure as editor of the newspaper was working with Nancy. Unquestionably, one of the best hires I ever made.

I am so sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. She was a kind and patient supervisor to me when I worked in the library one summer, and, along with Danny Gamble, an enormous source of help when I became a reporter. I am grateful to them both.

You will truly be missed Nancy.

I was lucky enough to work for Nancy for a few short years. Her guidance, support and mentorship helped me become the librarian and person I am today.

Nancy was always cool headed, at deadline, during a major hurricane, and during calmer times. I strive to emulate that and so many things about her as a librarian, manager and simply as a person. I doubt I will never live up to her example, but I so appreciate the example she gave me.

I will always remember you as a leader and mentor, Nancy. Thank you for everything. 

Rest in peace friend,
Brent Hightower


What a great lady.  She was a comfort to many a lost soul. Her library was a haven from the stress of the newsroom.  An oasis. A cool spot. The personal guidance she gave to many was as important as the information she provided. What a sweetheart.  Our most sincere sympathy.

Nancy was an intensely private person. But there were some things I learned about her that made the 19 years she was my supervisor an incredible experience.

I asked her how she got her job as librarian for The Times-Picayune. She said during the interview she complimented management on what a wonderful job they did and she wouldn’t change a thing. Then after getting the job she quietly began the process of changing everything. 

She was the most wonderful supervisor. She made each of us feel important and special. She learned our abilities and tailored training to help us succeed. She shielded us where necessary and praised us wherever she could. 

She told me how she enjoyed our chat sessions on the state of the library. She said exchanging ideas with me made it easier to make plans. She believed in me and fought for me and I am forever grateful. She told me she wanted to hire me because I had a retail management background. That meant I knew who our “customers” were. Also I was not a degreed librarian. She liked that I didn’t think like a librarian.

We became fast friends and I will always treasure how she accepted me and my partner William. During his illness they exchanged emails. She always responded with a kind word and positive thoughts which brightened his day. She also attended organ recitals I gave at the church where I served and she genuinely seemed to enjoy them. She apparently shared her thoughts with the newspaper’s editor because he introduced me and included “and also a very fine organist.”

I’m including three personal photos. The first one is of Nancy with my William and Rosemarie Bonhagen, a T-P librarian, at my home. The second one is of Nancy and William at a company Christmas party. The last one is of Nancy and me at a reception following an organ recital. I look tired in that one because not only had I just played for an hour but I also played for services that morning.

Nancy was the best boss and a great friend. She will be missed.

Nancy was a pillar of the newsroom and operation of The Times-Picayune. In addition to that, she was one of the finest, most humble and  capable people I’ve ever met. It was such a pleasure working with her.

I remember the first time I met Nancy. I had just arrived in New Orleans, in December of 2000. It was my first job at a daily, and the best early evidence that the Picayune represented a significant step up was the fact that it had a library. With librarians who would actually help you! Which Nancy did, again and again, without any sign of frustration over the frequency of my requests. I had a lot to learn, particularly early on. (In those days, I thought nutria was a vitamin.) 

I remain grateful. 

Rest easy, Nancy. You did good. 

Nancy was a magician and had that quirky sense of humor that worked well in a newspaper. I remember after The Times-Picayune had become available on Nexis and she had received a notice on the money to be paid to the newspaper from people accessing our articles. She got Ashton to stand with her holding one of those big fake Publishers Clearing House type of checks show off the windfall. 

It was a buck and change if I remember correctly.  ($1.06?)

Steven

Nancy was a kind gentle soul. She was respectful and generous .  I was privileged to know her.

I can’t even begin to count the many times that  Nancy found the information I needed to write and report a story. But most of all I remember her kindness that made this outsider from the Northeast feel part of the TP family.

Patience is not necessarily a skillset in a newsroom.  Thank goodness for you, Nancy, and your ability to show us how to practice it.  Anytime I was in a rush to find some something in the library and getting in my own way, you made it miraculously appear. But that was just a small part of what you offered your friends and co-workers.  You were caring and wise and funny and introspective.  I loved sharing dog stories with you.  You were the kind of person who made the workplace better simply by being who you were.  

My beautiful friend Nancy.   I will miss talking with you and our texting back and forth along with emails - All of which I will treasure and keep with me.  So many great and fond  memories my beautiful friend. Your physical presence  will be so so  missed but  your beautiful spirit IS  and WILL  LIVE on. I don't have any pictures to share, but just words of gratitude of truly a remarkable woman.  Luv you Nancy.  Rest in eternal peace my friend. 
Much luv,
Theresa💕

OBITUARY

Nancy Isabel Burris

18 March, 1949 – 4 October, 2020

Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home & Riverside Memorial Park

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