Barbara Burns, age 71, passed away at home last week. She was born on February 12, 1954 to Edith Zengen and James Burns in the Bronx, NY.
Barbara grew up in the Parkchester section of the Bronx, a student of St. Helena Grammar School and Preston High School. After a number of years working in corporate and law offices, she decided to leave New York for sunnier weather and spent over 20 years living in the suburbs of Los Angeles. There she worked as a caregiver, finding immense joy in helping to raise and guide the children of the great families that benefited from her assistance. While Barbara never married or had children of her own, she viewed and treated the members of these families as if they were members of her own family.
She subsequently returned to New York to be closer to her family, much to their delight. She continued her work with families and their children, assisting at Asbury Nursery School where she continued to develop wonderful friendships. Barbara was known for being very easy going, kind and always ready to have fun. She enjoyed numerous special events and holidays with family and friends, especially over a good meal and an occasional well-made martini. She was an incredible listener, a person who was always up for an adventure, and someone who laughed and made others laugh every day, perpetually young at heart.
Barbara is survived by her brother Robert (Biserka), her nephew Kevin (Sandy) Rooney, her niece Kristine (Kevin) Rooney-Granger, and her great-nieces and nephews (John and Isabella Rooney, James, Elizabeth and Katherine Burns, and Emilia and Jack Granger) all of whom were extremely close to Barbara and viewed her as the fun aunt of the family. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and James, her brother James, and her dear sister, Jean. While Heaven welcomed her arrival last week, her family and many friends will miss her fiercely.
A funeral mass will be held at Annunciation Church, Crestwood on Thursday, October 30th at 11am. Donations in celebration of Barbara’s life may be made to the American Cancer Society or The Westchester SPCA.
Condolences(6)-
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Previous Mayer, George R.
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Eileen Barrett says
October 27, 2025 at 4:37 pmMy deepest sympathy to Robert and all who loved Barbara, loving aunt and friend. Will miss her gentle kind spirit. Our phone chats were never less than two hours. Rest in peace Barbara, it was a hard year for you. Hope you’re enjoying a perfect martini.
Jenny Phibbs says
October 27, 2025 at 4:46 pmSo sorry to hear about Barbara
Our condolences may she rest in peace 🙏 always great for a chat, she was such a sweet person. Love and will miss her.
Cecelia Bulinski says
October 27, 2025 at 8:08 pmSaying goodbye is something I don’t want to do. I will always remember our love and good times. So I will keep you in my heart always.
Love, Cele
Paul Campisi says
October 28, 2025 at 7:23 amWhen I heard the news of Pete’s passing, I knew a large void had entered my life.
I met Peter on the first day of football practice in August of 1981, and from that moment on, we were friends.
I will miss his wit. His laugh. His intellect. He was the heart and soul of the Class of ’85 — a true original whose presence lit up every room.
I am very sad I will not be able to be there in person to pay my respects, but rest assured, I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace with the Lord, my friend. I know we will see each other again.
Kathy Duffy says
October 29, 2025 at 9:53 pmTo my lifelong friend I will forever miss our talks, laughs, cries, and shared memories. You and your family were a great blessing to me in my formative years. Our friendship stood the test of time.
Rest in peace my friend. I know you are with your Mom, Father, Jimmy and Jean. The legacy of the wonderful Burns and Rooney families will carry on in strength and love.
Heartfelt sympathy to your family.
Ken & Marge Wallace says
October 30, 2025 at 9:46 amI’m so sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. I know how important she was and loved by your family, especially Jean.