Dolores Catherine Danner Burhenn
Dolores Catherine Danner Burhenn passed Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the age of 92, with her granddaughter, Laura Anne, by her side.
She was born July 4, 1929, in Castle Shannon. Dolores met the love of her life, Russell Garland Burhenn, at a dance at the Grove following his military service in World War II. They were married July 17, 1948, settled in Bethel Park, and raised two boys, Robert (“Bob” b. 1951) and James (“Jim” b. 1955).
Dolores was a beloved homemaker who was naturally crafty, skilled at ceramics and building scenery for Russ’s extensive train collections. Their most elaborate train platform included American and European sections with mountain tunnels and sprawling neighborhoods, authentic to the architecture of each continent. Despite her fear of flying, she and Russ traveled the world: Alaska, Egypt, Russia, New Zealand and across Western and Northern Europe many times. She always said, “You have to take the trip to get to the destination!” Her home was well-decorated with meaningful family heirlooms and handmade treasures from her travels.
After relocating to Washington in the mid-1990s, Dolores became a devout volunteer at Washington Hospital. In total she logged over 8,000 hours of service.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russ; and son, Jim.
She is survived by her son, Bob and his husband, Gary of Gore, Va.; and granddaughter, Laura of Los Angeles, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Washington Hospital Auxiliary.
All services are private and have been entrusted to Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Women’s Auxiliary of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.
Condolences may be expressed at www.hummellandjones.com. Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, Douglas M. Jones, supervisor and Dr. Lawrence K. Donovan, director.