Obituary of Andrea Marie (Burns) Kliza, Scotchtown, New Waterford

We, the family of Andrea Kliza (nee Burns) announce her passing into the loving arms of the Holy Father on October 12, 2024 surrounded by her devoted family.  Mom (Ma) was a huge presence in all of our lives.  After 91 years, 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren (with one more on the way), she left this world in peace.  Ma was born March 30, 1933 to James (Jim) and Charlotte (Toots) Burns in Scotchtown. 

Although the last couple of her years had many struggles, Ma was a formidable opponent to them.  Tough as nails, as we say, her trials may have slowed her but certainly didn’t stop her.  During her life, Ma always enjoyed any social event whether it be darts, bingo, exercise class, concerts, but especially dancing. Her most used quote was “I’d rather dance than eat”. She loved to get out.  And, of course, anyone who knew her knew how much she loved to dress up in the odd funny hat, wig, or full-on costume.  She definitely liked to give people a good laugh.  She beamed with pride when it came to her grandchildren and never missed a concert, graduation or play. 

Besides her parents, Ma was predeceased by her husband, Anthony “Tony”, her brothers, Ernie, Luke and Henry, and her sister, Jenice.

She leaves a void in the lives of her children, Marian (Warren) Hopper, Ernie (Bertha) Kliza, Judy (Raymond) Doucette, and Sharon (Ray) MacLeod, and step-daughter, Carol (Ray) McGillivary, her brothers, Jim, Charlie (Laurie Ann), and Bill, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many great friends.

Mom has been entrusted to the care of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford.  Please join us in a celebration of mom’s life with visitation Wednesday, October 16 from 6-8 pm and funeral service Thursday, October 17 at 10:30 am in the funeral home chapel with a reception to follow. Father Godwin Obike officiating.  Interment in St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please just make a donation to a charity of choice so we can “pay it forward”.

In closing, please be kind, compassionate and forgiving to one another as the world can always use one more kind person.

On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca