Passed away at 11:20 p.m. September 11th, 2016 at St. Josephs Hospital, Hamilton. I never dreamed that I would be writing my sister\'s obituary. Her death has come so unexpectedly. Mary Ann Burns was a rare and special person and you knew it while in her presence. She had a multitude of friends and an ability to extend herself to others. She took great care in the nurturing of her friendships. Mary Ann not only had a beautiful mind, but a rare and precious heart as well. She radiated kindness, intelligence and great wit. She had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Her friends were naturally drawn back for more helpings of Mary Ann\'s great company. In lieu of flowers, love your family and cherish every moment, life is short. Mary Ann “MA” Burns was born March 30, 1952 in Durham, Ontario. She attended primary school at Sacred Heart in Kenilworth; high school in Mount Forest; and was a graduate of Lougheed Business College in Kitchener, graduating as a legal secretary. Upon graduation, Mary Ann applied, and was immediately employed, as a stenographer by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Mount Forest Detachment. In 1974 15 women began their training at the Ontario Provincial Police Training Centre in Toronto, Ontario. Mary Ann was one of those 15 brave women that embarked on a career with the OPP. Upon graduation from the OPP Training Centre, Mary Ann was posted to Guelph Detachment as a Probationary Constable where she performed general policing duties. On May 1, 1975, Mary Ann successfully completed her probationary period and was promoted to the position of permanent OPP Constable. On August 13, 1979 she was transferred to Owen Sound Detachment and on February 29, 1988, Mary Ann was transferred to Simcoe Detachment where she completed her 35 year career. Mary Ann retired on January 10, 2010 as the longest serving female officer in the history of the OPP. Mary Ann volunteered for many special duties. She worked at the Summer Olympics in Kingston Ontario as part of the overall security and was assigned to strikes and contentious standoffs. Off duty, she was involved in both official and volunteer capacities as OPP Association President for the No. 3 Branch. Mary Ann volunteered at the local curling club and investment club and was involved in endless local events for the communities. Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Lindsay DuGuid of Toronto, Ontario, mother Bernadette Burns of Neustadt, Ontario, Brother Patrick (wife Judy) Burns and family of Mount Forest, Ontario, Sister Theresa (husband Gary) Kloepfer and family of Goderich, Ontario, and brothers, John (wife Catherine) Burns and family of Campbell River, British Columbia, Dennis (wife Chrysta) of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Wayne Burns of Calgary, Alberta, and Stephen Burns of Neustadt, Ontario. Friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, September 14
th from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m., at the Ferris Funeral Home, 214 Norfolk Street South, Simcoe.
Visitation will also be held on Thursday September 15th from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m., at the ENGLAND FUNERAL HOME, 294 Main Street South, Mount Forest, Ontario, and again at St. Mary’s of the Purification Roman Catholic Church
, Mount Forest on Friday September 16th from 10 – 10:45 a.m., A mass of Christian of Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, Kenilworth, Ontario. Memorial donations in memory of Special Constable Mary Ann Burns can be made to St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Foundation 224 James Street South, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P3A9 or through Ferris Funeral Home or at the England Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at
www.englandfuneralhome.com
