Elaine Chapline Burns

Dr. Elaine Chapline Burns, PhD born on December 18, 1927, in Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025 in Lisle, IL. She lived a rather extraordinary life, marked by a series of accomplishments across many different chapters that comprise the book of her long and well lived and loved journey. Some knew her as Elaine, some as Mrs. Burns, others as Dr Chapline, and to many on the east end she was Bunny, a nickname given to her by her first husband Skip and one that she embraced. While her impact was felt in many ways what might be recalled most was her uncanny ability to hear, understand and deeply care for those around her. Her genuine, insatiable, interest in the world and her unwavering love and support for her family and friends manifested in creating so many memories among those of us who knew her that her persistent presence in fond recollections will always remind us of what a genuine, special person she was.

Elaine is survived by her devoted son, John "Larry" (Cathy) Burns, and her direct legacy continues through her grandchildren, Jonathan (Mary), William (Melissa), Daniel (Makena), and Sarah, who carry with them the warmth and keen interest in the joys of life that Elaine helped instill in them. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Hazel and Simon, who brought immense joy to her.

We could speak volumes of her academic degrees and prowess, her leadership and tireless energy, her awards and accolades, her commitment to things she thought needed doing, her being an ever-ready volunteer and full participant in whatever endeavor she set her mind to. We could detail publications she produced, committees she ran, teams she somehow always made better by her calm force of intellect and emotional intelligence, we could mention myriad individuals she mentored in many forms who will to this day speak of her influence, we could also celebrate her adventurous, even a bit rebellious soul that led her to travel and explore, to challenge and never be silent and to have experienced more in her life than most us can only dream of.

Yet, what shines through most brightly are the feelings she created in those she touched throughout her life. In whatever chapters of her life where you knew her, Elaine touched the hearts of those around her - with her wisdom, her ability to sense that something was troubling another and taking the time to listen and try to help, and so much more. She will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers the family as that donation be made to https://peconiclandtrust.org/ to continue to help preserve and protect a part of the world that was so precious to Elaine.