Sr. Thomas James Burns, OP, formerly known as Ann Elizabeth Burns, died April 11 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 85 and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Burns was born in Chicago to Thomas and Ann (Foley) Burns. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and received degrees from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and Barry College (University) in Miami Shores, Fla.

Sr. Burns spent 42 years ministering in education in Michigan, Illinois and Florida. In Michigan, she taught at SS. Peter and Paul, Ruth (1950-52); St. Edward (1952-55) and St. Scholastica (1958-61), both in Detroit.

Sr. Burns is survived by loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sr. Thomas Annette Burns, also an Adrian Dominican Sister.

The funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. April 20. Rite of Committal will be in the Congregation cemetery.