Felicia Emerita Burns

Felicia Emerita Burns, 81, of Bryans Road, passed away peacefully September 19, 2014 at her home. She was born October 22, 1932, in Macaracas, Panama to the late Ricardo Espino and Micaela DeGracia.Beloved wife of the late Carl L. Burns Sr., together they ran a home daycare and were known affectionately as “Nana” and “Burnsie”.A consummate caregiver, she began her nanny career in the early 1950’s, and helped raise several generations of children. She treated them all with loving care and they became part of her extended family. One of 16 children, she enjoyed family gatherings, and catching up with far distant relatives by phone. Her favorite holiday was Thanksgiving when family far and wide would gather at her home and her native Spanish would be heard throughout the house. She was generous and loving, and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her 3 children, Carl Burns Jr., Richard Burns, Christine Vonk, and son-in-law Michael Vonk; cousin, Marta E. Morales, whom she raised like a daughter; brothers, Francisco and Emilio; sisters Carmen, Evelia and Elena; four grandchildren, Sandra Whorton, Daniel Burns, Gerrit Vonk and Eli Vonk; 2 great-grandchildren, Jennifer Wickes and Julia Burns.There will be a graveside service held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 South Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306. Family and friends are welcome to attend.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Charles County, 2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, Maryland 20603.