Elizabeth (Liz) Jeffries Burns

Recently of Tampa, FL, and a longtime resident of Western Springs, IL, Liz died peacefully on January 26, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Predeceased by her husband Robert D. Burns, siblings, and baby granddaughter Catherine Elizabeth Reifel.

Liz was proud that she lived to be 90 years old, and recently celebrated the achievement with her children and their families: David Burns, Steve (Julie) Young-Burns, and Ellen (Joe) Reifel, grandchildren Kiah (Aric), Mattie (Larry), Andy (Noor) and Molly (Scott), Ben, Josh, and Owen; as well as great granddaughters Willa, Marlowe, and Rosemary.

Born in Charleston IL to Urban Bulion Jeffries and Mary Ruth Nevins Jeffries in 1935, she was the youngest of six children. Liz grew up in Charleston and Carmi IL, attended Indiana University and University of Illinois and was a proud Alpha Chi Omega at both schools. She graduated from U of I in 1957 with a BA in English and a minor in French.

She taught English at Carl Sandburg and Riverside/Brookfield High Schools before meeting and marrying handsome Bob Burns and starting a family with him.

Liz was a full-time mom while the kids were little and added a new career when she entered the business world as manager of the Western Springs Federal Credit Union. Earning her Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification along the way, she held multiple finance roles, including at Merrill Lynch and a long career as a financial planner and securities specialist at Charles Schwab.

A dedicated volunteer for the West Suburban Auxiliary of Chicago Commons, she helped present the legendary Disco 76 dinner dance and fundraiser at the Shedd Aquarium. Liz loved Western Springs and really loved Thomas Ford Library.

She served as a member and then President of the Thomas Ford Library Board of Directors 1991 - 1997, and oversaw the 1996 $3.1 million library expansion project, ensuring the library’s future for generations to come. After finishing her term on the library Board, she served as Trustee of the library’s Foundation and was elected Chair in 2004. In recognition of her dedication to Thomas Ford, she was awarded (the last) Western Springs Citizen of the Year Award in 2011. She also served in various capacities at her All Saints Church in Western Springs, IL.

She loved to travel, enjoyed musical theater, playing bridge, and movies. She and Bob were founding members of the Illegitimate Theater (IT) of Western Springs. A dedicated grandmother, she treasured being there for her grandchildren’s performances, sports events, confirmations, graduations and weddings.

Memorials preferred to the Thomas Ford Library Foundation, Episcopal Charities (Chicago) and All Saints Church (Western Springs).

Funeral services will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church, Western Springs, IL on Saturday, February 14, and streamed live on https://www.allsaintsws.org/. Visitation will be at 10am; Funeral Service Requiem at 11am.

In honor of Liz’s love of Valentine’s Day, guests are invited to wear a touch of red.