Jeanette Burness, 92

Jeanette Carter Burness died peacefully in her home at The Springs at Whitefish on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011. She lived a long, healthy, active life, recently celebrating her 92nd birthday.

Jeanette was born on Nov. 5, 1919, in Trenton, N.J. She spent her first 21 years there, attending public schools and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Trenton State Teachers College. While in college she was a summer camp counselor in western North Carolina and came to love that state which would later become her “adopted” home state.

In 1941 she married her high school friend, Henry, a new U.S. Coast Guard recruit, and enjoyed their life together for the next 56 years. Henry died in 1998.

Spending 32 years in the Coast Guard, Jeanette and Henry were able to live in many locations: Newport, R.I., Marblehead, Mass., St. Louis, Scotch Plains-Fanwood, N.J., Portsmouth, Va., Juneau, Alaska, Portsmouth, (again), Scotch Plains-Fanwood, (again), and finally Elizabeth City, N.C.

They had three sons, each four years apart in age. On those tours when Henry had sea duty Jeanette got to be mom and dad for extended periods. She was proud of and good at the feat of parenting three young, rambunctious boys; she also always looked forward to Henry's return from the sea.

The couple retired from the Coast Guard at their last station in Elizabeth City. They took up golf, traveled both at home and abroad visiting old friends and making new ones, and enjoyed eastern North Carolina for 41 years.

 Jeanette was active in the Presbyterian Church, was also a member of Eastern Star, and served as a volunteer in the Albemarle Hospital Auxiliary. In 2007 Jeanette moved to a retirement setting in Colfax, N.C. Two years later she moved west to Montana to be closer to her family.

Jeanette is survived by her older sister, Ruth Tremitiere; her three sons, Stuart, Robert and Geoffrey; seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.   

Throughout her life Jeanette made friends wherever she went. Her dry sense of humor persisted to the end. She will be truly missed.

A memorial celebration will be held in the future. Jeanette requested memorial donations be made to Cann Memorial Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth City, N.C., or the charity of your choice.