Susan Lynne Burns 1953-2026

She was born Oct. 28, 1953, in Warren, the daughter of Michael and Helen Nyako Polinko.

Susie graduated from Howland High School in 1972. Growing up, she was a proud member of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church.

Through the years, she worked as an aerobics instructor; at Glenbeigh Hospital and Outpatient Center in Warren, working with patients struggling with addiction; at the Trumbull County Council of Alcoholism; and working in accounting at Youngstown Thermal, where she met her future husband.

Susie was many things throughout her life: a daughter, a sister, a wife, Aunt Susie and a “domestic engineer,” but most important to her, she was a mom. She enjoyed collecting snow globes and teddy bears; listening to wind chimes; being at the beach; working on her tan; being outdoors in the sun; eating all things key lime pie and Reubens; reading; dancing; and listening to music — especially disco. She adored spending time with her children and was dedicated to being present and supporting them throughout the years as a stay-at-home mom. She possessed a sense of humor and warm embrace that had no match. Susie loved cats and dogs and was a friend to any animal she would meet. She was also a lover of all aspects of the state of Michigan and a member of Christ Our Savior Parish-St. Nicholas Church.

Many family members live on to honor Susie: her husband, Richard Burns; her dedicated daughter and best friend, Michelle Burns of Poland; her son, Dr. Jonathon Burns of Lexington, Kentucky; and her brother, Mickey Polinko, and sister-in-law, Angela Polinko, of Gilbert, Arizona. In addition, she leaves seven feline children (Avalanche, Pepper, Ginger, Jack, Swiss Miss, Sully and Tully) and the endless amount of people she impacted throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; nephew, Ian Polinko; niece, Leah Polinko; and several previous animal companions.

The family wants to thank the countless family and friends for the overwhelming support through this difficult time, especially Cassie Bonvissuto.

Services will be Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Kirila Funeral Home, 258 Poland Ave., Struthers. Visitation will be 10 am to noon, with a prayer service to follow. Directly afterward, a celebration of life will occur in the hall at St. Nicholas Church. The family asks those who attend to wear Susie’s favorite color, purple.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to The Little Black Cat Collective (www.thelittleblackcatcollective.org) or Friends of Fido (www.friendsoffidomahoning.org).

Arrangements are in the care of Kirila Funeral Home, Struthers. To view this obituary or send condolences to the family, please visit www.kirilafh.com.

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