Katherine B. Burris

Madison-Katherine B. Burris, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Katherine was born January 15, 1916 in Baldwin, WI, the daughter of John and Clara (Jorstad) Brusse. Katherine entered the University of Wisconsin-Madison at age sixteen; she was the youngest student in her class. She earned both a B.S. and M.S. Degree in Home Economics. She worked as a Dietician at the University Hospital in Madison for many years. Over the years she volunteered for many organizations including: Attic Angels, Daughters of Demeter, Habitat for Humanity, Madison Friends of International Students, and Madison Public Library. On September 12, 1945, Katherine was married to Robert H. Burris in Madison. She has lived in Madison for 62 years, and was a resident of Shorewood Hills for 54 of those years. Katherine was also a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison for 57 years. She also enjoyed reading, gardening and traveling. She liked spending time with her friends, family and especially her five grandchildren. Katherine was a friendly hostess and welcomed and entertained many of her husband's Biochemistry graduate students in their home. She also organized graduate student canoe outings and picnics at their cabin on the Wisconsin River. Katherine is survived by her loving husband Robert H. Burris; her children Jeanne (Ed) Eloranta of Mt. Horeb; John (Sally) Burris of Raleigh, NC; and Ellen (Mike) Heneghan of St. Cloud, MN. Her five Grandchildren, Jennifer (Dana) Olson; Margaret Burris; Mary Burris; Emily (Zachariah Kasoma) Heneghan, and Katherine Heneghan. One great grandchild, Max Olson, and niece Kay (Ned) Schwalbach Read. A memorial service for Katherine will be held at Oakwood Resurrection Chapel, 6201 Mineral Point Rd., Madison on September 13, 2008 at 11:00AM. A visitation will begin at 10:30AM until the time of service. A private family burial has already taken place at Sunset Memory Gardens in Madison. The Family would like to thank the staff at Dane County HospiceCare and Hebron Oaks for their compassionate care for Katherine. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy in Fitchburg, WI 53711 or Madison Public Library, 201 West Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service