Carolyn "Kay" Kathryn Burns, born on March 10, 1944, in Iowa City, Iowa, passed away on August 13, 2024, at the age of 80. Kay lived a life full of love, laughter, friendship, and kindness. She was truly one of the good ones.

Kay grew up in Iowa City, the daughter of Lowell and Dorothy (Poggenpohl) Hughart. She and her sister, Judy, who was three years her junior, attended St. Patrick Catholic School and Regina High School. On April 18, 1964, Kay married the love of her life, James "Jim" Michael Burns. They were blessed with two children: a son, Andy, born in 1967, and a daughter, Amy, born in 1974.

After high school, Kay worked in a greenhouse despite often joking about her "terminally black thumb." She and her young family lived on a farm in Iowa while she attended secretarial school. In 1974, Jim's job brought the family to Wisconsin, where Kay became a stay-at-home mom. Once the kids started school, Kay worked at Dr. Hook's Chiropractic Clinic for several years, where she cherished the interactions with patients. She later worked at Duplex Products and eventually found a job she truly loved at the University of Wisconsin Foundation. There, she made many lifelong friends and was much beloved by colleagues, staff, faculty, and donors alike. Kay was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a sympathetic ear, or share a kind and encouraging word. She was a bright light and a gift to all who knew her.

Kay's greatest loves were her grandchildren, who became the focal point of her later years. She adored them with her whole heart, and their stories and successes brought her immense joy. She shared these moments with pride among her lunch bunch and Wednesday night ladies.

Kay was deeply committed to her faith and active in the church. She sang in the choir, taught religious education to her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed engaging in philosophical discussions with the clergy.

Despite suffering tremendous loss, Kay remained a beacon of genuine smiles and a gentle demeanor. She was stoic, capable, thoughtful, and someone you could trust implicitly. Kay had a wry sense of humor, a quick and often mischievous laugh, and she gave the very best hugs. She was someone you could count on without fail.

In 2015, Kay retired and embraced a simple life. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, she eventually moved to Jefferson Memory Care. They knew they were in trouble when she threw a chair at one of them during her first week, but over time, Kay became one of their favorites and was well-loved by many staff members.

Kay is now reunited with her husband, Jim; her son, Andy; her mother, Dorothy; her father, Lowell; her sisters, Joy and Judy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Amy; her grandchildren, Kira (Zac Perszyk) and AJ; her extended family; and her dearest, devoted friend, Donna (Tom Kaech) Kelley.

Visitation will be held August 20 at 11:30am with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water Street, Sauk City, Wisconsin 53583. Interment will immediately follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sauk City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kay's memory can be made to the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Checks can be mailed to:

UW Foundation

Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund – Kay Burns

US Bank Lockbox 78807

Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com