Mary Jo Burns

The Gaelic language refers to a teacher as "múinteoir". Similarly, the Oneida language refers to a teacher as "shakolihunyʌ·níheˀ". Those two cultures came together to bring the world an amazing teacher, and even more incredible mother, daughter, sibling, grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend, Mary Jo "MJ" Burns. On Friday, February 21, 2025, heaven gained an angel. Mary Jo passed away peacefully, with her family lovingly surrounding her, following a courageous bout with cancer.

MJ was born to Raymond and Jane (Hill) O'Loughlin on April 30, 1947, the fourth oldest of seven siblings, including sisters Carol and Janet, as well as brothers Jim, David, Daniel and Shawn. She was incredibly proud of her strong Oneida (from Jane) and Irish (from Raymond) lineage and was a strong representative of both cultures throughout her life.

MJ grew up in North Fond du Lac, WI, where not only was she a great role model to her family, but also assisted her parents in helping raise her younger siblings. She enjoyed many activities growing up, including managing the village pool in North Fond du Lac as well as a summer stint performing as a barefoot water-skier at a local water-ski show.

While attending college, MJ met the love of her life, Terry "TB" Burns. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a degree in Education, she married her college love on August 23, 1969. Shortly after getting married, the couple moved to Atlanta so MJ could support TB as he went thru basic training, and ultimately, served in the Vietnam War.

After the war, MJ and TB settled back in Fond du lac, WI and had four amazing kids, Shannon, Sean, Sarah and Shane. To help support their growing family, MJ worked as a second-grade teacher at Holy Cross Catholic School in Mount Calvery, impacting the lives of many students along the way.

MJ always put family first, making time to utilize her gift as a teacher assisting her kids with their studies, as well as veraciously supporting their extra-curricular activities, including sports, musical concerts, and everything in between. Other favorite activities included playing volleyball as well as dinner at Blanck's Supper Club with friends.

After 20 years living in Fond du Lac, TB and MJ had the opportunity to relocate their family to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. They settled in the suburb of Cottage Grove and over the next 30 years, grew deep roots in the community, supporting their kids in their academic and athletic pursuits. MJ taught second-grade at Pine Hill Elementary in Cottage Grove for 15+ years, impacting another generation of students, and also worked as a volunteer in the school district well after retirement.

Post retirement, MJ enjoyed spending time with family and friends and also became an avid golfer. MJ was very talented with arts and crafts and shared that gift freely with friends and family, oftentimes making special gifts such as dreamcatchers and blankets for those most precious to her. Most of all, MJ loved spending time with her seven grandchildren.

MJ is survived by her children, Shannon (Jenny) Burns of Whitefish Bay, WI, Sean (Kim) Burns of Cottage Grove, MN, Sarah (Dennis) Neitz of Cottage Grove, MN and Shane (Jen) of San Diego, CA.; her siblings sister Carol (late Bob) Smart of Waukesha, WI and Shawn (Janet) O'Loughlin of Venice, FL; seven grandchildren including Mikaela, Abby, Max, Kacie, Jack, Truxton and Beau; sister-in-law Sharon (Doug) Terrill of Fond du Lac, WI, sister-in-law Judy (Rev. Bob) Gurgel of Milwaukee, WI, brother-in-law Dan (Michelle) Burns of Kenosha, WI, brother-in-law Mark (Karen) Burns of Oshkosh, WI, and sister-in-law Wendy (Rich) Petak of Fond du Lac, WI; and many, many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Terry Burns; her parents, Raymond and Jane (Hill) O'Loughlin; sister Janet Merz and brothers Jim, David and Dan O'Loughlin.

A Celebration of Life for MJ will be held Saturday, April 5th, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at River Oaks Golf Course, 11099 US-61, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. There will also be a burial ceremony on Sunday, April 6th, 2025 at 3:00 PM at St. Charles Cemetery, W4287 Golf Course Dr., Fond du Lac, WI 54935, followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the American Legion, 500 Fond du Lac Ave, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

In lieu of flower donations, the family is requesting donations to 1) Our Lady of Peace Hospice at https://ourladyofpeacemn.org/donate/, where MJ received the best care imaginable as she made her final journey; and/or the Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac at https://bgcfdl.org/donate/give-now/, which celebrates MJ's life mission as a teacher.

The entire family would like to thank the staffs at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN and Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, MN, who all played a key role in providing outstanding care for MJ throughout her journey and end of life care.