Kathleen Alma Burns

Kathleen "Kathy" Alma Burns (Lebria) passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in a hospital in Plantation, Florida. She passed from sudden illness and, as her family believes, a broken heart, having lost her beloved husband just over a year prior. Though their hearts are heavy and absolutely devastated by her passing, her family finds peace knowing she is eternally reunited with her Gregory. Kathy’s life was a testament to her unwavering resilience, fierce loyalty, and unconditional love.

Kathleen Alma Lebria was born the second of eleven children and the first daughter to Bienvenido and Gloria Lebria. She began her life in Brooklyn, New York. Her family eventually moved to New Jersey, starting in Elizabeth and settling in Roselle, where she quickly embraced her role as a loving, protective, and guiding sister to her ten siblings. The cherished feelings and deep connection she held for her brothers and sisters were a constant source of her strength throughout her life.

A proud graduate of Abraham Clark High School in 1974, Kathy was studious, smart, and excelled in her classes. She was liked by all her peers and teachers, but her friends also knew her strong personality. They affectionately called her "punk," "chink," or "face"—a nod to the look she could give if she wasn't being sweet and helpful. She was a true friend and held solid friendships that lasted her entire lifetime. Together, they would hang out at Stuarts or each other's houses, listening to rock and roll records, dreaming big, and laughing the nights away. She was a confidant and trusted friend, always there

In 1971, she answered an unexpected call for Greg Burns. He instantly became her world. Driven by a one-in-a-lifetime kind of love, she was determined to stay in Roselle even as her family life changed. Under a bright blue sky on a beautiful day in Warinanco Park, Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 1977, witnessed by a large family and many friends, Kathy vowed to be Greg’s wife, his rock, and his everything. Their marriage was intense, passionate, and truly stood the test of time.

Devoted Mother and Dedicated Professional

Kathy was a hard-working woman—punctual, organized, precise, and devoted. After graduating, she worked a full-time job at Union Hospital until the 1980s, remaining a top, dependable employee for long periods of time throughout her career. She was a dependable and honest employee. She even remained in close contact with her colleagues after her

The 1980s brought the greatest joy of her life: motherhood. She was a loving yet stern mother to Jamie Lee (1981), Jillian Marie (1983), and Sean Gregory (1988). Being polite, well-mannered, and respectful was of paramount importance. She was the foundation of her children’s lives, giving them strength, loyalty, and unconditional love, and was always there for their recitals, concerts, and sports events. She instilled the importance of education, pushing her children to do their best and was an outstanding parent, earning awards alongside her children's accomplishments.

Family was her foundation Kathy was a beloved Godmother to many children of relatives and friends. An adored and respected Aunt. She even took pride in being a good niece herself to her aunts. She cherished her grandmother Ma as well.

The new millennium brought the crowning joy of being a grandmother. Kathy was a hands-on, dedicated, and concerned Grandma to: Elisa Alma (2001), Gianna Lydia (2003), Jayden Alex (2003), Leilani Imani (2006), Victoriah Manuela (2010), Avalee Gennete (2017), and Jersey Rose (2018). Even after making the move from New Jersey to Florida in 2008, she made grandmothering look easy, being right there for her daughters at every birth no matter where she lived. Her grandchildren loved to make her laugh and smile.

In February 2024, devastation came to Kathy’s home when Gregory suffered a massive heart attack and passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, while with her. His passing was a blow from which she never truly recovered, and a good part of her passed too. Her memory will live on and her impression will be everlasting. Rest well, Kathy, until we meet again.

Kathleen is preceded in death by her mother, Gloria Calip; her father, Bienvenido Lebria; and her husband, Gregory Burns.

She is survived by her siblings: Benny, Elaine, Alan, Stephen, Silvano, Victor, Jennifer, Anthony, Tammy, Vida Marie, and her brother-in-law Robert. She is also survived by her children, grandchildren, 23 nieces and nephews, 17 great-nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nephews.