It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carmen Renae Bjerke Burns, born August 5, 1965, who left us on September 18, 2024. Carmen, an emblem of strength and courage, fought valiantly during her second battle with breast cancer until the very end.

Her life was a testament to love, dedication, and faith. Carmen was well-known for her loving nature and caring spirit, traits she demonstrated as a dedicated mother, wife, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. Carmen had an amazing career as a pharmacist giving back to others and was a cherished coworker. Her sense of commitment was clear both professionally and personally to all who knew her.

Driven and devoted, Carmen's most significant legacy is one of kindness, generosity, laughter, and joy. She knew how to work hard and enjoy life at the same time. She was known for enjoying life's simple pleasures like visiting the beach at every opportunity and pairing every meal with a Diet Coke!

Carmen leaves behind a loving family who cherished her. She is survived by her children Shelby (Pierre Marrou) of Arlington, VA, and Garrett Burns (Alexandra Livingstone) of Boston, MA. Her parents Clifford and Sharol Bjerke of Rapid City, SD, siblings Todd (Pam) Thue, Terry (Lisa) Thue, Shawna Thue, Dean (Adriana) Bjerke, and Dawn (Dave) Malowany. Sisters-in-law Beth (Tim) Klein and Amy (Jeff) Rainey. She was beloved "Auntie Carmen" to all of her many nephews and nieces. She loved her cousins and extended family in South Dakota. Carmen was predeceased by her husband, Jeffrey Emmett Burns, and her mother, Jill (Huff) Bjerke.

A Memorial service honoring Carmen's beautiful life will take place at Salem Lutheran Church on November 7, 2024, at 10:00 AM. We ask that those attending wear beach inspired colors (blues, teal, tan, sunset colors, etc) to honor her or traditional memorial service clothing.

Instead of flowers, we kindly ask for donations to be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Funds are being raised at the following website: https://everloved.com/life-of….

Carmen's spirit will forever be engraved in our hearts. We will always remember her as a symbol of love, resilience, and inspiration. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and joy, truly reflective of the awe-inspiring life she led.

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