Patricia ‘Pat’ Lee (French) Streible Burns

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, Patricia “Pat” Lee (French) Streible Burns,, 71, a Kentucky native and former resident of Flaherty and Louisville, passed away at her home in Lauderdale, Miss., with her husband at her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Mary and George Bernard “Bud” French; brothers Bill, Dave and Donald French; and sisters Marie (French) Jackson and Lois (French) Hensley.

She is survived by her loving husband and life partner, Fred M. Burns Jr. of Lauderdale, Miss.; her younger brother, Kenneth (Patty) French of College Station, Texas; children Gene (Delaine) Streible, Fred M. (Lori) Burns III, Becky (Jimmie) Streible Mote, Susan Streible, Scott Burns, Michael (Lisa) Streible, Devin (Melinda) Burns and Debbie (Danny) Burns Roberts – some of whom she gave birth to and some of whom she acquired through her loving and generous heart. Pat also is survived by 19 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; Itje Keur, her devoted caregiver; and an uncountable number of family and friends with whom she shared her life and to whom she opened her heart and arms.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Pat was a prayer warrior in St. Jude’s battalion, who won many a blessing with her powerful prayers for her loved ones. She enjoyed music, poetry and dancing and could entertain for hours on end with her wit and humor. Pat made a loving home for her family with a door always open to welcome friends old and new.  She worked at a variety of occupations including bondswoman, medical assistant, hair dresser and government purchasing agent.

Although stricken with crippling arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease, to the end of her ability, Pat endured life’s challenges with fortitude, grace, courage and loving concern for her family and friends.

At her wish, the family chose cremation and a memorial service will be held in Flaherty to celebrate Pat’s life on a date in January to be chosen and announced.

The family asks that expressions of sympathy be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association.