Diane Bernadette “Dee Dee” Delahoussaye Burns died on June 12, 2023. Brain cancer ended her life on earth, but it could not crush her spirit. She was grateful and joyful to the end, even in the face of terminal disease, with a loving family and devoted friends by her side. Her family gives thanks to all for the prayers and overwhelming support from so many people who loved her. The family would also like to extend a special note of gratitude to all those who participated in Dee Dee’s care during her last illness. Your visits, meals, prayers and friendship brought great comfort to her entire family.
No obituary ever does justice to the decedent, and this one makes no such attempt. Every life defies description, especially in a few short paragraphs. This obituary gives dates, heirs and relatives, and marks the beginning and end of her life on earth, but fails any attempt to capture her legacy. Her life had vastly more meaning and impact than can be written. In hers, we don’t point to a life of public recognitions or awards. Flags will not be lowered to half-mast at the public square and she won’t be missed from the society page. And that’s precisely the point.
She lived her life for those she loved. She didn’t live for herself. She never strove to achieve recognition. Instead, she preferred a supporting role – one largely out of the spotlight, and did so with such strength and persistence that her legacy will live on for generations in those she touched. In short, she lived her life for others. She was the comfort we needed when times were tough. She was the advice-giver when we needed direction. She was the friend we needed when we were lonely. She was the example we followed when we got lost. She was all these things, and more, for us. And she was there whenever we needed her.
Dee Dee’s legacy can’t be put into words because her life found its real meaning in the hearts of all those she touched. Her legacy is found not in words or awards, not in recognitions or achievements, but in the memories of all those who mourn her passing. She lives on in the way we treat one another because she showed us how to be compassionate. She lives on in the way we laugh, the way we smile, and the way we comfort one another. We all take a part of Dee Dee with us because that’s what she gave. We have the moments that she gave us, the kind and soft words of support and encouragement. We take with us the time she spent with us when we needed her. Or, when we just wanted her. She sat with us when we were sick. She cried with us when we were sad. She held our hands when we were lonely. She gave us strength when we were scared. She encouraged us when we lost faith. She suffered with us when we were in pain. She was there, ever present, in the best of times and in the worst. She laughed with us – and sometimes she couldn’t stop – when things were funny. Dee Dee’s legacy is not found in the words on a page. It is in each of us.
Born on November 15, 1943, Diane Bernadette “Dee Dee” Burns was the eldest of the ten children of Alfred J. Delahoussaye and Helen Wetta Delahoussaye. She was married to Robert J. “Bobby” Burns on August 28, 1965. She is pre-deceased by her parents and one sibling, Dawn Delahoussaye Orr (John). She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Retired Judge Robert J. Burns, her three children, Robert J. Burns, Jr. (Melissa), Barry James Burns (Christine), and Bridget Burns Bond (Walt), twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by eight siblings, Donna Delahoussaye Booth (Dennis), Alfred J. Delahoussaye, Jr. (Barbara), David J. Delahoussaye (Susan), Debra Delahoussaye Landry (Ronald), Gerard J. Delahoussaye (Nancy), Gary J. Delahoussaye (Judy), Michael J. Delahoussaye (Sharon) and Mary Delahoussaye Tiller (Terry).
She was a proud graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy, class of 1962. After graduating high school, she attended Southeastern Louisiana University until she married. Soon thereafter, she began the most important work of her life – motherhood. After her children were grown, she worked at East Jefferson General Hospital until grandparenthood began. She lived out the rest of her days with children and grandchildren by her side.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Dominic Church, 775 Harrison Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10:00am with mass to immediately follow at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to Mt. Carmel Academy, 7027 Milne Blvd., New Orleans, La. 70124. To leave fond memories and condolences, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.
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