Janice Burden

BURDEN
Janice Josephine Johnston Burden, 93, died November 22, 2010, surrounded by her family in Westerville. Janice is the daughter of Marston Albert and Sarah Eleanor Johnston. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wayne Burden December 22, 2000, one grandchild Scott Burden, two sisters Myrta and Eleanor and brother Donald. She is survived by children, Diane E. (Roger) Johnson, Daniel E. (Lyssie), James A. (Carol) and Philip L. (Laura). Janice was born in Atchison, Kansas, July 30, 1917, and spent her early childhood in Independence, Kansas. She graduated from Columbus South High School in 1935. She met her husband and lifelong companion, Ralph, in Sunday school class. They belonged to the Yomeka hiking club, and were married on April 14, 1938. Janice and Ralph raised their family along Westgate Park, on the Hilltop, in Columbus, Ohio. Ralph was a chief in the fire service for both Columbus and Westerville. Janice, an at-home custom dressmaker, made an equal number of friends through her kindness and gentle manner. With an unassuming, non judgmental, quiet but effective personality, along with caring love and pride, Janice knitted and stitched many lives together. She patched the scrapes and wounds of 4 children, 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, as they grew to have many adventures and discoveries. Later, she often shared stories and served as a caring listener to many people she sewed for. This built a network for her and others that never ended. Indeed, she continued to sew for many, despite having Parkinson’s disease, up until the last weeks of her life. As she mended trousers, adjusted hems, or fabricated anew, she touched lives, gave assurances, and patched the lives of many. Janice wove her way into the hearts of many through numerous social circles, including the Randolph Child Conservation League, Westerville Safety Service Wives, Church of the Messiah, and the St Ann’s Ladies Auxiliary Guild #5. Janice’s examples continue to inspire those she touched, through her strength, life of simplicity and quiet spirituality. An avid reader, she remained lucid up until her last days. Family will receive friends at MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Tuesday, November 23, 6-8 p.m. where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 24th with visitation one hour before the service, Rev. Steve Putka, officiating In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Reach Hospice, 7708 Green Meadows Drive, Suite D, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.