ADRIENNE LEA BURNELL 1935 - 2015 Adrienne Lea Burnell of Palm Desert, California, passed away May 9, 2015 after living valiantly with cancer for five years. She was born in Bakersfield California on May 22, 1935 to Ida and Wallace Johnson. She graduated from Bakersfield High School where she was song leader and rode on a float in the Rose Parade. She graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in nursing, and later in her career received a Master's degree from University of California San Francisco and a Ph.D. from Columbia Pacific University in San Rafael. Specializing in death and bereavement studies, she co-authored a book and numerous articles on the subject with her husband George M. Burnell MD. Her professional pursuits took her to West Valley College (Saratoga, CA), San Jose State, University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University where, as a professor, she taught psychiatric nursing, nursing ethics, psycho-social assessment, and made research contributions in the area of post-traumatic stress disorder. Adrienne was a compassionate mentor to her students, especially to those needing extra support to succeed. Adrienne was active in sports and the community; she loved running (6 marathons), tennis, and golf, was an opera fan and accomplished artist. She was a world traveler and presented papers at conferences in Rio de Janeiro and Tel Aviv. After retiring to Santa Barbara and later Palm Springs area, she continued to stay active with tennis, golf, book clubs, bridge, and numerous committees. Her positive attitude and love of life impacted all who knew her. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 48 years George M. Burnell MD, her children Robin Anawalt Grahl (Art) and Gregory Anawalt, and two grandchildren Paige and Jack. She was preceded in death by her son Eric. A celebration of life will be scheduled. Contributions in memory of Adrienne can be made to the American Cancer Society.
ADRIENNE LEA BURNELL 1935 - 2015 Adrienne Lea Burnell of Palm Desert, California, passed away May 9, 2015 after living valiantly with cancer for five years. She was born in Bakersfield California on May 22, 1935 to Ida and Wallace Johnson. She graduated from Bakersfield High School where she was song leader and rode on a float in the Rose Parade. She graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in nursing, and later in her career received a Master's degree from University of California San Francisco and a Ph.D. from Columbia Pacific University in San Rafael. Specializing in death and bereavement studies, she co-authored a book and numerous articles on the subject with her husband George M. Burnell MD. Her professional pursuits took her to West Valley College (Saratoga, CA), San Jose State, University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University where, as a professor, she taught psychiatric nursing, nursing ethics, psycho-social assessment, and made research contributions in the area of post-traumatic stress disorder. Adrienne was a compassionate mentor to her students, especially to those needing extra support to succeed. Adrienne was active in sports and the community; she loved running (6 marathons), tennis, and golf, was an opera fan and accomplished artist. She was a world traveler and presented papers at conferences in Rio de Janeiro and Tel Aviv. After retiring to Santa Barbara and later Palm Springs area, she continued to stay active with tennis, golf, book clubs, bridge, and numerous committees. Her positive attitude and love of life impacted all who knew her. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 48 years George M. Burnell MD, her children Robin Anawalt Grahl (Art) and Gregory Anawalt, and two grandchildren Paige and Jack. She was preceded in death by her son Eric. A celebration of life will be scheduled. Contributions in memory of Adrienne can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
