Phyllis "Joann" Burand

Phyllis "Joann" Burand, 80, of Anderson, passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013. She was born on June 30, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Edward G. and M. Margaret Elliott Decker. Joann grew up in Centerville, Ohio before heading to Indiana where she graduated from DePauw University in 1955. At DePauw, she majored in education, was initiated into the Mortar board honor society for college seniors, held key student leadership positions including serving as president of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega Alpha chapter, and was pinned twice by the man who later would become her husband, Jerry M. Burand. She earned her Master's degree in education from Ball State University. Joann was a teacher-in and out of the classroom. She taught first and second grade in the Anderson School system for over 25 years. For a dozen years, she and her first grade classes corresponded regularly with the children's author Dr. Seuss who, in one of his responses, said that if he were to be a first grader again, he would want to be a student in Mrs. Burand's class. Upon retiring in 1994, Joann supervised the training of many Anderson University student teachers. She and Jerry also team-taught a courtship and marriage course at Anderson University for 15 years and led marriage enrichment weekend seminars for over 20 years. Since moving to Anderson in 1968, Joann was actively involved in the community, serving in many leadership positions in service and church-sponsored organizations. She also was a talented, creative writer with articles published in the Indianapolis Monthly magazine, Anderson newspaper, and various children's publications. After her diagnosis of ovarian cancer, Joann crated a blog "Gift from the Butterfly Garden: Daring to Grow Wings" http://giftfromthebutterflygarden.typepad.com where for the last two years she posted reflections on her experience of creating, maintaining and enjoyed a Memorial Butterfly Garden that is located in the First United Methodist Church's Davis Park. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Jerry M. Burand; daughter, Deborah of Chelsea, Michigan; son, David and daughter-in-law, Cheryl of Fishers, Indiana, and granddaughter, Kristin who is a junior at Butler University. She also is survived by many other extended family members, including her late sister Kay's grandchildren, Kelsey Sullivan and Grant Johnston who consider Joann a beloved grandmother. Joann's family would like to thank the staff of St. Vincent Hospice Anderson Region for the exceptional care they provided Joann over these last several weeks, and also to thank family and friends for their love and support. A service to celebrate Joann's life will take place at Davis Park 4507 Nichol Avenue, Anderson on September 7th at 2:00 pm with The Rev. Kaye Casterline officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Joann's name may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson, Indiana 46016 directing support either to the Memorial Butterfly Garden or the Children's Fund. Post online condolences at www.loosecares.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.

Phyllis "Joann" Burand

June 30, 1933 - August 28, 2013