Pamela Lynne Burns

Pamela Lynne Burns (nee Tono), 79, of Sterling Heights passed away peacefully August 2nd, 2023, at home surrounded by her closest loved ones. Pamela was born in Detroit on September 25th, 1943 to John and Helen (Krol) Tono. An only child, she surrounded herself with cousins and neighborhood friends who would become her sisters and brothers for life. She loved them with all of her heart and was honored to be part of this large family. From the time she was very young, Pamela was a hard worker. She scooped ice cream at a young age, sold movie tickets in the cinema box office, and was a bookkeeper at Ned’s Firestone. She studied business at Cleary College and worked for the city of Ypsilanti. In her twenties, she went to work at Fisher Body (General Motors) in the clerical department. It was there she met the love of her life, Robert, who worked in the Die Design department. They were friends for some time before they became an item. According to Robert, he became a more compassionate and better person because of Pamela. They married in 1971 and were blessed with a daughter (Sheryl) and a son (Kevin) in the years following. Her children were the light of her life. She loved them fiercely and would do anything for them. Many sacrifices were made to guarantee her children had the best education and experiences in life. She was always there to lean on and offer sound advice. Pamela also adored and cared for many family dogs in her time. They were always treated like family, not “just dogs.” Robert was Pamela’s heart. The two of them were inseparable and loved being with each other 24/7, which is not an easy feat for most people. They had the deepest love, admiration, and respect for each other and it showed. Theirs was the kind of love everyone should have. Robert will sure miss his “Pammy.” Some of Pamela’s interests and passions included: knitting scarves for the homeless, supporting multiple nonprofit organizations close to her heart, specifically those related to dog rescue, US Veterans, and Native American children, playing BINGO, chatting with her girlfriends, snuggling her dogs, listening to the song of Cardinals, and most of all, spending time with her immediate family. A gentle and kind woman, Pamela was considered a second mom to many of Sheryl’s and Kevin’s friends, as she always made sure to welcome them into her home, extend a helping hand when needed, and just listen to them if they needed to talk. She was a true listener and had a knack for making people feel better. Her positive attitude also got her through so many tough times, as she dealt with medical issues for several years. And she never once complained. She was a true fighter and believer that God was just trying to make her a stronger person. Pamela is now free of pain and is flying high above with those who left before her. No doubt she is playing endless games of BINGO with her mom, giving smooches to all the family dogs, and hugging her dad tightly, whom she lost way too soon. Pamela will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing this great powerhouse of a woman. Her strength, determination and memory will live on in our hearts forever. Pamela is survived by her beloved husband and soul mate of 52 years, Robert, her children Sheryl Burns and Kevin Burns, grand-dog Cooper, and many special cousins and lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her parents John and Helen, and several cherished rescue dogs over the years. Visitation Tuesday 3-8pm with a 7pm Scripture service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenehrr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights. Instate Wednesday 9am until time of 9:30am Mass at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 15 Mile Rd. (E. of Dodge Park), Sterling Heights. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township. Please consider honoring Pamela by donating to one of her favorite charities: Hawkeye & Friends Dog Rescue & Sanctuary (Imlay City) or Paralyzed Veterans of America (Washington, DC). Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Pamela Lynne Burns

September 25, 1943 - August 2, 2023