Janey Burns passed August 10, 2024 at age 78. Janey taught elementary aged special needs children in Bellevue School District for 30 years at Hillaire, Phantom Lake, and Sunset Elementary.

She was passionate about teaching children and loved seeing them grow into readers who were proud of their achievement. She conveyed her love of children’s books, which lined her bookshelves at school and at home.  For a special treat, she would bring her Irish Setter, “Jeep,” to her classroom. The children loved practicing their reading by curling up on the floor with pillows to read to Jeep “his favorite story.”  Mrs. Burns was a natural when it came to raising her kids’ self-esteem through humor and by seeing each child’s strengths.  She often said that she could relate well to children because she was still a kid herself. 

Janey’s family has requested that those who would like to make a gift in her memory do so with a donation to the Early Learning program sponsored by the Bellevue Schools Foundation. This program has a high percentage of students in Special Education, and funds help to cover tuition costs for low-income families.