Arliss Joyce (Lessard) Burns earned her angel wings on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. It fills our heart knowing she finally reunited with her husband, Pat, who preceded her to heaven 5 years ago. They were married for 65 years on earth, and now, together for eternity! Ever the devout Catholic and family matriarch, Arliss leaves a legacy of “God and family first”.

Arliss was born on July 10, 1938, to Simone and Homer Lessard in Yakima, WA. Her one sibling, Leslie Lessard, preceded her to heaven in 2017. She moved with her family to West Seattle where she attended Holy Rosary School. Arliss’s fondest childhood memories were of traveling to family gatherings to visit with her many cousins and the grand adventures of attending an all-girls school. Arliss remained close to many of her cousins and classmates throughout her lifetime.

Arliss met Pat when they were 15 and it was love at first sight! They married as young sweethearts in 1955. Together, they had a lifetime of adventures. Having 5 children in Catholic schools kept Arliss enmeshed in all aspects of their religious development, education, Scouts, and sports. She loved planning adventures involving family trips and camping and embraced the craziness and chaos that comes with a large family. We treasure the memories Arliss created for us of our childhood. After raising her children, Arliss enjoyed traveling during her retirement years with Pat. She enjoyed wintering in Arizona, trips to visit the family homesteads in Oregon, Montana, North Dakota, and Quebec and to explore the world with visits to Europe, Australia, and Mexico. Her visit to the Vatican was a dream come true. Arliss’ French blood ran deep, and she was able to see sites where many of her ancestors blazed trailed on their journey to America via Canada.

Arliss was one amazing mother to 5 children, Pat Jr, Brian, Scott, Karrie (Osborne), Kathy (Hinkle). While they will miss her on this earth, she has given them a lifetime of love, faith, joy, adventure, discipline, challenges, wit, advice, and silliness all wrapped up in memories that will sustain and guide them until they meet again. Grandma Arliss loved her 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren fiercely and followed all their school and life events. They will reap the benefits of her unconditional love for the rest of their lifetime.

Arliss served the Catholic Church in many ways throughout her lifetime. Arliss and Pat placed their children in Catholic schools and were very involved in many committees supporting the teachers, fundraisers, scholarships, and sports programs throughout their lifetime. Together, they were involved in Serra Club International which promotes our men and women in Religious Vocations. Particularly near to her heart were the Carmelite Nuns and the new Priests whom she loved to support.

Arliss had many special friends in her lifetime and loved getting together and planning adventures with them. She is appreciated for bringing joy and fun to all who spent time with her. Arliss was truly one of a kind and she did it her way!

Arliss leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren:5 children: Patrick Burns, Jr. (Chris), Brian Burns (Sue), Scott Burns (Mary Mullen), Karrie Osborne, and Kathy Hinkle (Rex).

13 grandchildren: Mirek Burns (Dawn), Bailey Odell (Kyle), Morgan Fuller (Beau) Nathaniel Burns, Nicki Broas (Kevin), Jamie Burns, Katie Burns (Kyle Johnson), Maddie Burns (Chris Smith), Heidi Wetterauer (Nate), Kyler Osborne (Katey), Selena Feador (Dave), Skyler Hinkle, Kelly Yeaman (Danny)

19 great grandchildren: Austin Burns, Aubrey Burns, Dylan Odell, Patrick Odell, Beckett Odell, Adelyn Fuller, Etta Fuller, Callahan Fuller, Aiden Broas, Lilia Broas, Alex Wetteraur, Gunner Feador, Maverick Feador, Emerald Feador, Onyx Feador, Kasen Yeaman, Charlie Burns/Smith, Wesley Johnson, Evie Johnson.

Arliss will have a Requiem Mass and Celebration of Life at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds beginning at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 22, 2026. A reception will follow with the burial at Holyrood. All are welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the the scholarship fund in her name: (click the link below)

O'Dea High School Pat ’55 and Arliss Burns Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are under the care of Simplicity Cremation of Poulsbo, WA