Margaret Lynn Burns, of Fern Park, Florida, passed away at her home on December 5, 2014 after a brief illness. She was 53.
Maggie was born June 7, 1961 in Pensacola, Florida, the youngest daughter of Carl and Bobbie Burns. She was raised in Peoria, Illinois and graduated from Illinois State University with a BFA concentrating in photography. After trying on a number of careers, and earning an equal number of degrees along the way, she found her calling as a nurse. She earned her associate's degree in nursing from Pensacola Junior College and then moved to New Orleans to specialize in oncology nursing and bone marrow transplant. After earning her master's in nursing at the University of South Alabama, she worked for several years as a travel nurse throughout the United States.
One of Maggie's ambitions was to continue her education and, after she stopped traveling, she enrolled at the University of Florida. While in Gainesville, she was lucky enough to meet her partner James Tootle. She earned her PhD in nursing in May 2014. Her original plan was to conduct research but she instead discovered a love and talent for teaching. At the time of her death, she was a professor at Herzing University and Adventist University of Health Sciences.
Maggie was a talented photographer, cook, and massage therapist. She quickly changed the minds of those who underestimated her because of her tiny stature.
Maggie is survived by her partner Jim Tootle of Fern Park, Florida; her parents of Pensacola, Florida; and sister Becky Burns of Fort Myers, Florida. Her family would like to thank her fellow staff members and students for their friendship and support during her illness. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to a children's charity of your choice.