Jeannine Burns
May 13, 1934 - March 20, 2026
OBITUARY
Jeannine was born the youngest of five children to Earl and Leona Thompson in Pendleton, Oregon, a ranching community known for wheat farming and sheep ranching which provided the wool for the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills. Her early life was spent on the family ranch where - in Jeannine’s own words - she liked to play with her trucks and spend time in the vegetable garden with her mom.
After her father passed away, when Jeannine was only seven, she and her mother moved from the ranch into town. Living in town opened up many options for Jeannine. She was able to have a more active social life as well as being able to enjoy all the town had to offer.
Jeannine was by nature a highly motivated individual. Consequently, she kept an ambitious schedule in high school while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Her schedule included being the editor in chief of the yearbook, editor of the Pendleton High School newspaper, secretary in student government, member and active participant in various clubs, school plays, high school sports and the honor society. Of course she graduated as Valedictorian receiving several scholarships. And what college might the valedictorian from Pendleton, Oregon set her sights on? Stanford University in Palo Alto California readily accepted Jeannine to the class of 1957.
During her studies at Stanford University she grew to love California, and soon met her future spouse and life partner, Darrell Burns Jr. on a blind date. They were married in the Stanford Memorial Chapel. Jeannine supported Darrell as he finished medical school and completed his residency. Much of this time she worked as a buyer for department stores including Macy’s. This experience had a lifelong influence in both her enjoyment of home decorating, and how she always presented herself with panache’.
The couple welcomed their son Keith and daughter Kathleen in the early years of their marriage. Jeannine always took on an active and supportive role in the children’s interests and extra curricular activities. Later she was instrumental in helping Darrell establish his private practice in Stockton, California, where she eventually acted as his office manager and chief financial officer. After retiring from the office Jeannine took on the same active support with her grandchildren Darrell and Caleb Ortis.
Jeannine valued community involvement, and throughout her life she modeled the importance of giving back to her community. She did this through being involved at all levels in various charitable organizations, and just to name a few: Junior Aide, Children’s Home, United Way, ALSSOA, Rotary, Women’s Center, Medical Alliance and Hospice of San Joaquin.
Throughout her life Jeannine also valued friendships and connection. She belonged to a group known as the Older Than Dirt Goddesses which consisted of friendships she maintained since kindergarten and her early school years. They got together annually well into their 80’s. She was also active in book and play reading groups and bridge groups, taking photography and computer classes and traveling with friends and her husband.
The couple had a strong and supportive partnership that continued over the 68 years of their marriage. Jeannine Burns passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 20th. She is preceded by her husband Darrell, and is survived by her children, Keith and Kathleen, her three grandchildren, Bethany, Darrell and Caleb, and her two great grandchildren, Thea and Robert. She will be remembered as a loyal friend, dedicated mother, supportive spouse and devoted grandmother - whose passion for life, family and community will be a lasting influence on all those who knew her.
Celebration of Jeannine’s life will be held on April 25, 2026
Central United Methodist Church of Stockton
Service from 11:00 AM to 12:00
Followed by a Reception
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Burns family.