Jeanne Burton Bereavement - August 27, 2007
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of one of our veterinary immunology colleagues. Jeanne Burton, Associate Professor in Animal Science at Michigan State University, died Sunday in Bellaire, Michigan after a difficult struggle with cancer. Jeanne was best known for her work in immunity, using immunogenomics approaches to understand periparturient immunosuppression and mastitis susceptibility in dairy cows.
Paul Coussens, Jeanne’s husband, has planned two memorial services for her. The first service will be held from 2-4 p.m. this Wednesday, August 29, in Mancelona at the Mortensen Funeral Home, 205 W. State Street, Mancelona, MI 49659. There will also be a memorial service at the MSU Chapel with date and time to be determined. You are welcome to send pictures, memorial comments and Burton stories through e-mail to Nathalie Trottier [trottier@msu.edu]. She and MSU colleagues will print the pictures and letters to be inserted in the book at the MSU Chapel for Paul and for Jeanne’s family.
Jeanne’s family intends to establish student awards in her name. Jeanne has always been a strong advocate for graduate students and post-docs and this would be an appropriate way to honor Jeanne’s memory.
The American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI) has established a memorial fund in honor of our colleague, Jeanne Burton, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Animal Science at Michigan State University, who died August 26, 2007 after a difficult struggle with cancer. Jeanne was best known for her work in immunity, using immunogenomics approaches to understand periparturient immunosuppression and mastitis susceptibility in dairy cows.
Jeanne was a strong advocate for, and mentor of, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Following Jeanne's family's wishes, the AAVI will use these funds to honor Jeanne's memory by sponsoring student awards in her name.
Memorial gifts should be sent as checks to AAVI and mailed to: Dr. Eileen Thacker, AAVI Secretary/Treasurer, 2118 Vet Med Bldg, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011".
At Paul’s request, we are sharing his touching words that he wrote shortly after Jeanne’s passing. He invites you to send these moving sentiments to those of you whose lives Jeanne touched.
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As most of you already know, Jeanne passed away today at noon. It was a bright sunny afternoon with brilliant sun poking through her beloved trees, birds in her feeders, and squirrels playing outside. Many of her closest family and friends were here to wish her safe passage and she was at peace with no pain. Jeanne never had time to dwell on death, but knew it was coming. She faced it without fear, but with lots of love and support. I am so thankful for all of the support that has poured in from around the world and faithfully read all of these notes to Jeanne. She was truly a loved individual that touched and influenced so many lives. As you all know, Jeanne was a wonderful mentor who would work tirelessly to help students and post- docs achieve their dreams. She will be missed by many throughout the world, but by none more than me as she was the greatest partner any person could have asked for. I love her dearly.
Lorraine M. Sordillo
D202 Veterinary Medical Center
College of Veterinary Medicine
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824
office: 517-432-8821
lab: 517-432-8823
FAX: 517-432-8822