Ann E. Burgess

Age 87, of Morris, Illinois, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois.

Born August 4, 1937, in Morris, Ann Elizabeth was the daughter of Willard and Mary (Whalen) Burgess. She was raised in Morris and graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1955. Ann furthered her education at the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University before moving to Chicago, where she attended Moser Secretarial School. After completing her studies, she ventured to New Orleans and worked for Pan American Life Insurance Company. Upon returning to Illinois, she built a successful career with Amoco Chemical Company, dedicating 32 years to the company before retiring in 1997.

A woman of deep faith, Ann was a lifelong and devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris. She actively served as an extraordinary minister, bringing communion to nursing home residents, and volunteered with the funeral luncheon committee. She also gave her time as an auxiliary member of Morris Hospital, assisting in outpatient services and the surgical waiting room.

Ann had a zest for life and a love for people. An avid card player, she was involved in numerous bridge clubs over the years and was a proud member of the Morris Country Club. She cherished her coffee group gatherings downtown and had a passion for travel, making cherished memories on pilgrimages and wintering with her cousins in Florida and Arizona.

Fiercely independent and always positive, Ann had a way of bringing people together. She loved dining out, enjoying a good cocktail, and making the most of every moment. Christmas was especially dear to her, as she carried on the family tradition of candy-making, a cherished ritual passed down through generations. She delighted in holiday outings to the Chicago Festival of Lights and festive lunches at the Walnut Room.

Above all, family was at the heart of everything Ann did. She was the glue that kept relatives connected, always genuinely interested in their lives. For many in the younger generations, she was the “extra grandma” who brought warmth, laughter, and love into their lives.

Ann will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her generosity, joy, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Survivors include special cousins: Mary Ann Collins of Minooka; Beth (Terry) McDonald of Minooka, and their daughters: Michelle (Kellen) Walker and Megan (John) Goolsby; William (Mindy) Collins of Minooka, and their daughters: Liz (Zach) Robinson, Emily Collins and Maddie Collins; and Patrick Macauley and Douglas Horton, both of Sarasota, Florida, as well as many other cousins and friends.

Ann was preceded in death by her grandparents: Elizabeth and Patrick Whalen and Eva and Irving Burgess; parents, Willard and Mary Burgess and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service, 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Ronald Margherio presiding and Deacon Paul Jung assisting.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and she will be privately laid to rest in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Minooka with her parents and grandparents.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ann’s memory to Immaculate Conception Catholic School, 505 E. North Street, Morris, IL 60450.

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the staff at Loyola (especially the 4th floor Surgical ICU) for the constant support and kindness which was extended to Ann and the family throughout her illness. 

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Ann’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral and cremation services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815/942-0700)