Patricia (Pat) Jean Burnett Fornuff, 74, passed away peacefully in her home December 24, 2023. She bravely fought ovarian cancer for over seven years. During that time she volunteered with the American Cancer Society and Ovarian Cancer Awareness. She was the loving spouse of William Harold Fornuff for 52 wonderful years.

Pat was born to Donald George Burnett and Jean Cecile Gerety Burnett in Queens New York on July 28,1949.

She began her work career with Liberty Mutual in underwriting. While raising her two girls in Commack, Long Island, she volunteered with many charitable organizations and held positions in local PTA including president. After moving to Solon, Ohio she worked in customer service with L’Oreal USA for fifteen years and then retired after five years in volunteer administration at Menorah Park Senior Living.

After moving to St. James in 2013 Pat became a Zumba instructor. She joined the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild, volunteered within St. James and other Brunswick County organizations. She loved walking, reading, playing cards, mah jongg, crocheting and most of all traveling to Europe, St John and other warm places. Pat took up golf, got serious about the game and made a hole in one in November 2021.

Pat is survived by her loving husband, daughters Kerri Patricia Jelenic (Michael Mark Jelenic), Lisa Jean August (Michael Brian August), grandchildren Kayla Jean Jelenic, Peter Michael Jelenic, Olivia Jean August, and brother Kevin Burnett. She was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Pamela Ann Bowman and Robert Paul Bowman II.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Brunswick Funeral Service 3479 Southport Supply Road Southport, NC. The Memorial Mass will be Friday, December 29 at Noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Southport, NC.  Inurnment will follow in the Church Columbarium.  

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org (give in honor and memorial tab).