Maureen Helen Burns

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

For the attention of retired NWA Pilots and their families.

I am writing to inform you of forthcoming changes to the traditional practices of postings of obituaries for retired NWA pilots. RNPA has decided to phase out the group website late this year. This decision reflects a close examination of recent use of the website. Almost all the ‘hits’ today on the website are solely for obituaries. Most of the retired pilots who do the yeoman’s work of writing and posting obituaries are themselves well beyond normal life expectancy. That speaks volumes. Perhaps societal values are changing in ways that affect the willingness of family members to cooperate with the writing of pilot obituaries for pilot audiences. What you will read in the future will more resemble a traditional newspaper, funeral home, hometown type obituary.

We will cease posting our pilot specific obituaries after June 15, 2025. Those recently posted will remain available for viewing until late in 2025.

Yes of course, there are obituaries posted elsewhere for recently deceased NWA/Delta pilots. NWA pilots obituaries will forthwith be posted on the much-acclaimed PCN flight west website. In anticipation of this changeover, I strongly recommend you review the PCN flight west system using this link: https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/

Carol Faulkner, a retired Delta agent, is a key player at PCN Flight West. She serves as the website coordinator and is a master sleuth at searching industry periodicals, magazines, and aviation publications to glean timely information about the death of our colleagues. Many of the death notices I have posted have come from contact information from Carol.

Time is a key factor in the Delta Airline PCN system. I suspect the country varies greatly regarding the continuance of traditional funeral services. Where I reside in the Pacific Northwest the ‘Celebration of Life’ is becoming quite common. These events are often held several months after the death of the pilot. However, if you reside in thesoutheastern part of the country, you may witness a preference for traditional church and funeral home services. These services are sometimes only a few days after the passing of the deceased. Therefore, death notices and timing become very important. As you read the PCN Flight West postings take noof the ‘for community and the family character’ of the obituaries.

After June 15 I will no longer be writing obituaries intended for pilot readers. Those of you who have sent me an obituary for future use rest assured that a duplicate of your obituary will have been passed onto our friend Ruthie Dumas for her methodical computer storage. If all goes as planned, when I close out my logbook for good, Ruthie will have your key information and backup pilot email addresses. There you have it – a plan.

Thank you all for being understanding. No doubt this is the end of an era.

Please do me a favor and look at the PCN Flight West website. I have even discovered the obituaries of former Air Force squadron mates posted on that system. It is friendly turf.

Thank you for allowing me to fill a minor role in the great legacy of the Red Tail NWA Aviators,
Bill Day

Maureen Burns

Wife of NWA Captain Bob Burns

1937 ~ 2025

Obit Photo Maureen Helen Burns 42505181

Maureen Burns, age 88 years, loving mother and wife, devout Catholic with a radiant soul, died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Maureen lived a life that touched many with her unwavering devotion to faith, family, and friends.

She was born in Evanston IL, the only daughter of John and Catherine Neenan Barrett. She attended Marywood High School in Evanston before graduating from Barry College in Miami, Florida. Her life was forever changed when she met her beloved husband, Robert Burns, on a blind date. They were married on September 10, 1960, and shared a remarkable 65-year relationship.

Maureen and Bob eventually settled on Lake Minnetonka near Excelsior, Minnesota where they raised 4 children: Sheila, Kevin, Patrica and Kathleen and entertained 5 grandchildren.

Obit Photo Bob Burns deadheading after last flight

Deadheading home after Bob's last airline career flight.

Maureen’s devotion to the Catholic Church was central to her life as a confident and faithful member at St. Therese in Deephaven and St. John the Baptist in Excelsior. She served in numerous roles including fundraising for St. John's Gathering Place building project and construction of Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, and founder of the BeFriender Ministry at St. John’s, a pastoral care mission providing trained, compassionate listeners to those navigating aging, illness, and grief. Maureen’s faith gave her confidence to Chair the Twin Cities Annual Catholic Appeal and St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Throughout her life, Maureen had a passion for travel and adventure. Professionally, Maureen found joy from her three decades of work in the travel industry and led tour groups to see the world. She enjoyed countless travel adventures—often with Bob by her side— which took her through the Panama Canal, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and across Europe. These journeys created lifelong friendships, treasured memories, and ultimately compelled her to join the International Federation of Women in Tourism.

At home, Maureen enjoyed swimming, sailing, painting, knitting, and social gatherings. Family and friends held a high priority for Maureen. She cherished Sunday night dinners, sunsets from the deck, and most of all, reunions with family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Robert Burns; children, Sheila Zats (Terry), Kevin Burns (Ada), Patricia Burns, and Kathleen Daniels (David); grandchildren, Jorge Burns, Kaily Burns, Melissa Burns, Lucia Zats and Shawna Zats; her brother, Bill Barrett (Kathleen), cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Catherine Barrett, and brothers, Patrick Barrett and James Barrett.

We were honored to know you and Bob.

(~Bill Day)

Obits Notice

The future of RNPA Pilot Obituaries

Maureen Helen Burns

The Birth of RNPA