Mary Burson

Mary Frances Burson (nee Jaxon), 89, of Downers Grove, passed away on December 15, 2023 surrounded by her family. Mary had two loves in her life who predeceased her in death. Harry (Bob) Burson, with whom she had four children, and her partner and wife of 45 years, Carole Kaiser. Mary was a loving mom to Kim (Dutch) Gesselle, Katherine (Bill Bernard) Burson, James (Kim) Burson, Karen (Brian) Gleason, Kathryn Kaiser, Kim Gallagher, Daniel (Yolanda De Anda) Kaiser, and Julie (Kevin Pelino) Kaiser. She was also a much-cherished grandmother “Grammy” to Jaclyn, Eric (Jacqueline), Kevin (Manu), Frances, Brian Jr, Kristin, Matthew, Mara (Brad), Grant (Hailey), Tessa, Marisa, Zane, Shaelen, and Carys.  Mary was blessed to have 6 great-grandchildren; Peter, Lucas, Jonathan, Charles, Brayden and Auburn. Dear daughter of the late George and Frances (nee Lutz) Jaxon, Mary was a trailblazer of her time and played a vital role in raising a lineage of independent, accepting children and grandchildren. Known for her infectious laughter and more importantly the ability to laugh at herself, Mary had an innate ability to cultivate joy wherever she went. Mary was a free spirit who loved music, especially Neil Diamond, and was always the last one to leave the dance floor. Her spirituality and faith was unwavering and manifested in all aspects of her life. She'll be remembered as someone who loved all, fought for all, and fiercely believed in equality. Mary's impact and inspiration will endure.   

A memorial visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Family and friends will meet on Friday December 22, 2023 for a 11am funeral service at Christ Lutheran Church, Rt 83 and 55th st, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org  or the Campaign for Southern Equality (www.southernequality.org), would be appreciated.

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