Kathleen Margaret Burns

Kathleen was born on August 5, 1937, in Denver, Colorado, and later moved with her family to Pueblo, where she was raised and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. She graduated from Pueblo Catholic High School in 1956 and began her professional life working as a secretary at the local steel mill before dedicating herself to raising her children.

After several years at home, Kathleen returned to school and earned a degree in education from the University of Southern Colorado. She went on to serve as a fourth-grade teacher at North Mesa Elementary School, where she touched countless young lives. Deeply committed to her community, Kathleen was actively involved on the Mesa, participating in PTA activities, supporting local political campaigns, and advocating for the advancement of girls’ athletics during the 1970s.

Kathleen excelled at athletics, playing on women’s softball and basketball teams. She had a lifelong love for animals and was especially proud to support her children’s involvement in 4-H competitions. An avid outdoorswoman, she found great joy in fishing, gardening, and spending time in nature.

Known for her remarkable work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, Kathleen pursued numerous ventures throughout her life. After raising her family, she bought and remodeled rental properties and obtained her real estate license. She also became a certified nursing assistant so she could care for her adult disabled son at home. Alongside her sister, Francis, Kathleen was a patent holder for a medical product designed for oxygen supplies, and she explored several business endeavors over the years. Following her retirement from teaching, she authored a book aimed at helping parents support their children’s education.

Above all else, Kathleen was devoted to her family. She spent many years traveling to Canada to help raise her grandchildren and cherished the time she shared with them. Though she lived most of her life in Pueblo, Kathleen later moved to Florida to be closer to her son Paul, where she continued to find peace and happiness in her love of gardening.

Kathleen will be remembered for her strength, compassion, determination, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Kathleen is survived by her children, Susan (Arnold) and Paul (Cheryl); her grandchildren, Stephanie (Brendan), Kelly, Gabriel, and Charlie; and her sisters, Patricia Hamrick and Virginia Krasovec. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Anna Burns; her son, Nick A. Medonich; her sister, Francis E. Burns; and her brother, James G. Burns.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, February 23rd at 11:00AM at St. Raphael Catholic Church (2514 Lee Blvd, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971). The Inurnment and Catholic Rite of Committal will take place on Wednesday, February 25th at 10:00AM at Roselawn Cemetery (1706 Roselawn Rd, Pueblo, CO 81006).

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church (307 East Mesa Ave. Pueblo, CO 81006) or to Doctor’s Without Borders and dedicate your donation in honor of Kathleen Burns (https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/ ).